Search and rescue efforts at the under-construction NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project tunnel in Samardung, Namchi District of Sikkim went on for a third day Wednesday as authorities resumed efforts to evacuate workers trapped in the collapsed tunnel.
The number of deaths also rose, with a total of 20 reported in the disaster one of the deadliest industrial disasters in the Himalayan state in recent years.
The incident occurred inside the ADIT-3 tunnel of the ambitious Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project, where workers were working on construction. Early reports indicate that a methane gas explosion and tunnel collapse trapped several workers hundreds of metres underground. Thick debris, toxic gases, and unstable rock formations have made rescue operations incredibly difficult.
Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, NHPC engineers, and local authorities have been working around the clock to locate survivors and recover victims. Ground-level earth-moving machinery, drilling equipment, and specialist breathing apparatus are being used to navigate the dangerous environment inside the tunnel.
Officials involved in the operation said there are multiple challenges for rescue workers dangerously low oxygen levels, methane build-up, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulphide gases.
Teams are going to enter the tunnel in carefully monitored shifts to minimise risk to rescue workers as well as clear debris blocking access to the trapped part of the tunnel.
Medical teams and ambulances are still stationed outside the tunnel entrance to provide immediate treatment for injured workers if they are rescued. Temporary relief camps are also in place for the families of trapped workers, who have been waiting anxiously for news on the site since the accident.
Sikkim government and NHPC officials have been monitoring the rescue efforts. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang visited the accident site, reviewed the operation, and assured families that every available resource would be deployed until the rescue mission is complete. The state government has also worked with central agencies to advance rescue efforts.
#Sikkim: Search and rescue operation is on for the third day today to evacuate people trapped inside the under-construction tunnel of NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung in Namchi district. pic.twitter.com/yoe34egas6
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 22, 2026
Narendra Modi has expressed his concern and assured the Central Government of all support. More technical experts will be deployed to assist rescue personnel in the deep tunnel.
The Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project is one of Sikkim's major hydroelectric projects that will help to increase power generation in the region. But the recent disaster has once more made clear that large infrastructure projects in the mountainous area are risky.
Experts have warned of geological instability, underground gas pockets, and landslide hazards which pose great danger when working on tunnels.
Rescue efforts are continuing for the third day, and authorities are still hopeful that any remaining trapped workers are still alive, though the challenging conditions in the tunnel are preventing them from being rescued.
Once the rescue operation is over, the exact reason behind the collapse will be investigated and whether safety precautions were adequately followed as well.
The tragedy has caused national grief as families continue to wait for news and answers while search and rescue teams continue their relentless mission.
