At least 10 people have died in the Sikkim tunnel collapse at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI project. PM Narendra Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Home Minister Amit Shah have expressed condolences as rescue operations continue.
Gangtok/New Delhi: A devastating accident at an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim’s Namchi district has claimed at least 10 lives, while rescue teams continue searching for workers trapped inside the tunnel. The incident occurred after a landslide reportedly triggered a methane gas explosion, trapping dozens of workers at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project. Rescue operations involving the NDRF, SDRF, local police, fire services, medical teams, and NHPC officials are continuing round the clock.
According to NHPC, top management officials have reached the site to monitor the rescue operation, while emergency teams are working to safely evacuate the remaining trapped workers despite difficult conditions inside the tunnel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and spoke with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to review the rescue operations. He assured the state of all possible assistance from the Central Government and announced ₹2 lakh ex gratia from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for those injured.
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan also condoled the loss of lives, expressing sympathy for the bereaved families and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured and the safe rescue of those still trapped.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and assured full support from the Centre for the ongoing rescue mission and relief measures.
Authorities have intensified rescue efforts as concerns remain over the safety of workers still inside the tunnel. The tragedy has once again highlighted the importance of stringent safety measures at major infrastructure and hydropower construction projects in the Himalayan region.
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