Arun Sharma
Silkyara, Uttarakhand: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday marked a major milestone in Uttarakhand’s infrastructure and spiritual journey, as he attended the breakthrough ceremony of the Silkyara Tunnel—site of the dramatic 2023 rescue of 41 workers who were trapped for 17 days.
The tunnel, a key component of the Char Dham Yatra route, spans 4.5 km and comes at a cost of ₹853 crore. Once completed, it will slash the travel distance between Gangotri and Yamunotri by 26 kilometers, easing pilgrim traffic and boosting regional connectivity, trade, and tourism.
“This breakthrough is not just a feat of engineering—it is a symbol of human determination, faith, and unity,” Dhami said, congratulating engineers, workers, and all involved in the construction and historic rescue effort. “The Silkyara operation was the world’s longest and most complex tunnel rescue. It was a true test of resolve, and together, we succeeded.”
The 2023 rescue operation, which captivated the nation, was carried out under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Dhami. Experts, machinery, and personnel from across the country and abroad were mobilized. Dhami also praised the courage of the trapped workers, whose calm and resilience inspired the entire operation.
Adding a spiritual dimension to the occasion, the Chief Minister also led the pran-pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of the newly built Baba Boukhnag Temple, fulfilling a vow he made during the crisis. Dhami had camped at the site throughout the rescue and credited divine intervention for its success. “When Baba Boukhnag was enshrined at the tunnel’s entrance, things began to move,” he recalled. “Today, this temple stands as a tribute to hope and belief in the darkest of times.”
The Chief Minister also made a series of key announcements:
- The Silkyara Tunnel will be named after Baba Boukhnag.
- Genwala–Brahmkhal’s Primary Health Centre will be upgraded to a Community Health Centre.
- Boukhnag Tibba will be developed as a tourist destination.
- A helipad will be constructed near Syalna to improve accessibility.
The event was attended by Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta, local MLAs, senior officials from the NHAI, and district administration.
From rescue to resurgence, the Silkyara Tunnel now stands as a symbol of Uttarakhand’s resilience—and its faith.
