Uttarkashi: The ongoing construction of the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district, which collapsed partially owing to a landslip on Diwali last year and trapped numerous workers for more than two weeks, has restarted under "strict restrictions".
The 4.5-kilometre-long tunnel is being constructed to improve traffic flow along the Chardham Yatra route.
Colonel Deepak Patil, project manager, said that work has resumed gradually after receiving the requisite clearances and will accelerate during the next 15 days.
“In sensitive areas, pipes are being installed as escape tunnels,” Colonel Patil said, the New Indian Express reported.
According to the sources, workers will enter the risky region via an exit tunnel designed expressly for safe evacuation. The central wall (separation wall) between the tunnel entrance and Silkyara is being shuttered, according to reports.