Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse Sparks Concerns Over Char Dham Highway Project

16 Nov 2023

Context:

  • Several laborers have been trapped after a portion of an under-construction tunnel collapsed in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. 

Under-Construction Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapsed 

  • The tunnel is located on the Yamunotri National Highway near Silkyara and was being constructed under the Chardham Highway Project.
  • Accident spot located near Main Central Thrust of the Himalayas and this area is extremely sensitive to earthquakes and frictional shear rocks are present in this area.
  • Experts raised questions on geological and geotechnical surveys for the project and said that mainly two types of incidents occur during tunnel construction in Uttarakhand — 
    • Sudden release of large amounts of water and 
    • Unexpected encounter of sheared rocks (worn by rubbing against each other). 

Uttarakhand tunnel collapse

Silkyara Bend-Barkot Tunnel in Uttarakhand

  • Silkyara Tunnel: It is around a 4.5 Km long two-lane Bi-Directional tunnel with an escape passage on Dharasu –Yamunotri.
  • Significance: 
    • This tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to Yamunotri, encouraging regional socio-economic development, trade, and tourism within the country. 
    • It will reduce the travel distance from Dharasu to Yamunotri by about 20 km and travel time by about an hour.

Char Dham Highway Project

  • The project aims to enhance road connectivity and ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims traveling to Uttarakhand’s 4 major shrines viz. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
  • The project involved widening and upgrading existing roads, constructing new roads, and implementing measures to make the journey smoother and safer. 

Uttarakhand tunnel collapse

News Source: Down To Earth

 

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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