Silkyara-Barkot tunnel work to restart soon


The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) said the project work of the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel, where 41 construction workers were trapped for 17 days will begin soon, adding that the inquiry and safety audit to look into the reasons behind the incident will go on simultaneously.

Anshu Manish Khalkho, director (Administration and Finance), NHIDCL, said, ?One or two accidents do not stop any process. Everything will go simultaneously. Audit, inquiry and the project work will begin soon.?

?We cannot foresee who did the wrong...but that shouldn?t hamper the process (project),? he said.

?We will first remove the 60 metres of debris in the collapsed portion and re-establish it. It may take a few months, four to six months,? he added.

?This incident was highlighted because it trapped the workers. Such incidents are normal in any tunnel construction. It depends upon the profile of the tunnel and geology. The shear zone area is there is this tunnel,? said Khalkho.

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