The Silkyara tunnel breakthrough took place in the presence of CM Pushkar Singh. The project, estimated to cost around Rs 1384 crore, will reduce the distance between Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham by 25 km. During the construction of the Silkyara tunnel in 2023, 41 workers were trapped inside for 17 days. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, the most complex and challenging rescue operation was successful. For the success of the rescue operation at Baba Bokhanag Temple, the Chief Minister had taken a pledge from Baba Bokhanag and pledged to build the temple. During the construction of the Silkyara tunnel in 2023, 41 workers were trapped inside for 17 days. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, all the labourers were evacuated safely. Silkyara tunnel is an important project from the point of view of Char Dham Yatra. The length of this double lane tunnel project is 4.531 km at a cost of about Rs 1384 crore. The tunnel construction will reduce the distance between Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham by 25 km, which will provide better convenience and time saving to the passengers. The completion of this project will enhance trade, tourism and employment prospects in the region, which will also boost the local economy.
CM Pushkar Singh congratulated all the engineers, technicians, workers associated with the project on the occasion of Silkyara Tunnel Breakthrough. He said that this historic occasion is not only a symbol of the success of advanced engineering but also a living example of the power of faith and dedication. He said the Silkyara tunnel operation was the most complex and lengthy rescue operation in the world. Everyone associated with it set a wonderful example of humanity and teamwork. This event was a real test of technical and human resolve, everyone unitedly made this campaign a success.
He also expressed gratitude to all the rescue teams, rat miners, NDRF, SDRF and allied agencies for making this operation a success. The Chief Minister said that the entire world had its eyes on the Silkyara campaign. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and with the full support of the Government of India, the State Government successfully conducted this challenging campaign. In this rescue operation, the help of modern resources and experts available in the country and the world was also taken. The Chief Minister said that the patience shown by the workers trapped in the tunnel encouraged us. The Chief Minister reached Silkyara with gifts and puja materials from home to pay obeisance at Baba Bokhanag Temple. The Chief Minister also participated in Pran Pratishtha programme at Baba Bokhanag Temple on the occasion. From his home in Dehradun, the chief minister reached Silkyara with gifts and puja materials to pay obeisance at the Bokhnath temple. For the safe rescue of the workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel, the Chief Minister himself had continuously monitored and directed the rescue operation by camping during the Silkyara operation. For the success of the rescue operation, the Chief Minister had vowed to build a temple by seeking blessings from Baba Bokhanag. The Chief Minister prayed to Baba Bokhanag for the prosperity of the state and happiness of the people.
He said that only when Baba Baukhnag was installed at the mouth of the tunnel, the trapped labourers could be brought out. At that time, he had announced the construction of a grand temple of Baba Bokhanag. Today, with the consecration of the temple, the resolve has also been fulfilled and the devotees will also be able to get the blessings of Baba Bokhanag. The Chief Minister said that during the construction of the tunnel, 41 workers were trapped in the tunnel due to a landslide on November 12. At that time people from all over the country were praying to God for the well-being of these workers. In that dark tunnel, where even the rays of hope were fading, Baba Baukhnag radiated strength and faith as the protector of the mountains.
Announcement of the Chief Minister 1. Action will be taken to name the Silkyara Tunnel after Baba Bokhnag. 2. Primary Health Centre Genvalabrahmakhal to be made a Community Health Centre. 3. Bokhnag Tibba will be developed as a tourist centre. 4. Helipad to be constructed near Syalna. Union Minister of State Shri Ajay Tamta, MLAs Shri Suresh Chauhan, Shri Durgeshwar Lal, Shri Sanjay Doval, Managing Director NHIDCL Dr. Krishan Kumar, District Magistrate Uttarkashi Dr. Meharban Singh Bisht, SP Smt. Sarita Doval, public representatives and officials were present on the occasion. Department of Information and Public Relations.