Efforts to rescue 40 workers trapped inside a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand, northern India, have been expanded to include drilling from the mountain top, as well as attempts from the mouth of the tunnel. The rescue operation has faced multiple challenges, with three previous attempts to drill through the debris proving unsuccessful.

A platform is currently being prepared at the site to position the drilling machine. The platform is expected to be completed by Sunday, according to the commander leading the federal rescue teams, Maj Naman Narula. The drilling will be initiated from a spot above the tunnel, with the aim to reach a depth of 300 to 350 feet (90-105m). If all goes according to plan, the rescue operation may take an additional four to five days.

The collapsed section of the tunnel was a result of a landslide that occurred last Sunday, causing heavy debris to block the passage about 200 meters from the entrance. The tunnel, known as the Silkyara tunnel, is a crucial part of the federal government's highway project, aimed at improving connectivity to notable pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand.

Despite the ongoing efforts, tensions among the workers' families are running high due to the lack of progress. With one man crying out, "It's been seven days and my brother is trapped in there," the emotional toll on loved ones is evident. However, rescue officials have reassured the families that they are dedicated to their rescue mission, with one official expressing his personal attachment to the workers, stating, "I go to my bunk at night and cry as well. I can't cry in front of you otherwise you will lose hope."

Uttarakhand is a mountainous region renowned for its holy sites, attracting numerous Hindu pilgrims. The incident has sparked concern and highlights the need for precautionary measures in such hazardous terrains, where landslides and collapses pose significant risks to infrastructure and human lives.

As the rescue operation proceeds, authorities are hoping for a breakthrough in reaching the trapped workers soon, providing a glimmer of hope for their safe rescue and an end to this tragic incident.