The Rudraprayag district administration in Uttarakhand has issued directives to enhance safety measures for three railway tunnels currently under construction following the collapse of the Pipalkoti tunnel in Chamoli district.
District Magistrate Vishal Mishra stated that the incident in Pipalkoti, where debris entered a tunnel causing significant damage, has prompted precautionary action. The administration has called for increased vigilance to prioritize the safety of workers and employees involved in the railway tunnel projects.
Officials have been instructed to review safety arrangements to address potential debris falls and other emergencies within the tunnels. The administration emphasized strict compliance with safety standards, identification of hazardous locations, and the establishment of prompt relief and rescue mechanisms. Regular inspections by concerned officials and construction agencies have also been mandated.
The Pipalkoti incident occurred on August 13 at the under-construction THDC tunnel in Hat-Siyasain, Mayapur, triggered by a landslide-like event near the Birhi River that caused a surge of water and debris, trapping workers inside.
As of August 18, the death toll in the tunnel collapse reached nine after rescuers recovered the body of another missing worker. The search for one remaining worker continues with urgency, according to the Chamoli District Magistrate.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. He emphasized that the safety of personnel working on construction projects must remain the “top priority at any cost”. The inquiry aims to establish the facts and recommend precautionary measures to prevent future occurrences.
Congress leader Harikrishna Bhatt urged for safety audits of ongoing projects, criticizing that such assessments should have been conducted following the entry of water and debris into the tunnel. Commenting on the announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh, Bhatt stated, “a human life cannot be valued at merely Rs 4 lakh. Safety audits should have been conducted for all such ongoing projects.”