In Pics | Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Drilling to restart from Sunday

A significant length of the 800-millimeter-wide steel pipe had been inserted into the collapsed section of the tunnel, estimated to be around 60 metres long. This is serving as a lifeline for the trapped workers, reaching a distance of 57 metres and connecting them to the outside world for essential supplies.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took stock of the situation. A specialised machine from Hyderabad is being mobilised to cut the auger machine trapped in the tunnel.
 

Chief Minister Dhami said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively monitoring the rescue efforts on a daily basis. An exploration of all possible options is underway, he said. 
 

Senior officials confirmed that only 10-12 meters of drilling remain to reach the trapped workers. 
 

Sections of steel pipe are being assembled and pushed into the narrow tunnel passage, forming the basis for using wheeled stretchers to safely evacuate the trapped construction workers.
 

Setbacks have created concerns among anxious family members outside the tunnel. Now, a landline has been set up so that they can connect with trapped workers.