Indian and Nepali Teams Push Rescue Effort for 6 Workers Trapped in Nepal Tunnel

Joint Indian and Nepali rescue teams are intensifying operations at Nepal's Chilime hydropower project, where six workers remain trapped inside a tunnel. Heavy machinery including an excavator, loader and Bobcat were deployed to clear mud and debris blocking the passage to an underground powerhouse.

India's Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava said the technical team cleared approximately 70 metres of tunnel on Saturday. The powerhouse is estimated to be about 60 metres further down, with rescue personnel working through the night to reach it. Nepal's Army has constructed over one kilometre of access road from Syafrubesi to enable equipment transport.

The Border Roads Organisation also prepared the approach road to the rescue site. Nepal's Army and Indian personnel are jointly operating inside the tunnel, with additional personnel deployed at the Upper Trishuli-3B hydropower project elsewhere in the region.