Tragic Train Collision at Uttarakhand Hydroelectric Project Injures 60 Workers
Accident Overview
Dehradun: On Wednesday, Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assessed the aftermath of a serious incident in Chamoli, where approximately 60 individuals were injured due to a collision between two trains inside the Pipalkoti tunnel of the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project.
The Chief Minister has been in regular communication with local authorities, urging them to enhance medical care for those injured.
In a message posted on X, CM Dhami stated, “I am in ongoing contact with the District Magistrate of Chamoli regarding the accident at the TBM site of the under-construction THDC Vishnu Gad – Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project. I have instructed that all injured receive improved medical attention and be referred to higher medical facilities as necessary.”
He expressed his hopes for the swift recovery of all affected workers.
The incident occurred late Tuesday during a shift change at the construction site.
Initial reports indicate that two locomotive trains, one transporting workers and the other carrying materials, collided, resulting in numerous injuries.
Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar confirmed that 109 individuals were aboard the worker train at the time of the accident, with around 60 sustaining injuries.
He assured that all individuals involved have been rescued and that the condition of the injured is stable.
The District Magistrate elaborated that the collision happened between a train transporting workers and another carrying construction materials on the single-track tunnel.
Such trains are commonly utilized within long tunnels for the movement of workers, engineers, officials, and materials.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Chamoli reported that 10 injured individuals have been transferred to the district hospital in Gopeshwar, while 17 others are receiving treatment at Vivekananda Hospital in Pipalkoti.
The remaining injured individuals are also reported to be in stable condition.
The collision caused panic and chaos within the tunnel as workers scrambled to escape the confined area.
Following the incident, project management teams and local administration quickly arrived at the scene to initiate relief and rescue efforts.
The Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project, which has a capacity of 444 megawatts, is being developed on the Alaknanda River between Helang and Pipalkoti in Chamoli district.
This project aims to generate 111 megawatts of electricity through four turbines and is expected to be completed by next year.