Silkyara tunnel collapse

TUNNEL INFRASTRUCTURE & SAFETY IN INDIA

Tunnel safety in India has become a critical priority as tunnel construction expands rapidly in fragile Himalayan and urban regions. Recent incidents, especially the Silkyara tunnel collapse that trapped 41 workers, exposed gaps in investigation, design and emergency preparedness. In response, the government has introduced comprehensive guidelines focusing on detailed geological studies, geotechnical baseline reporting, risk registers, site-specific design, real-time monitoring, classification of collapse-risk zones and clear emergency response plans. The overall emphasis is on shifting from speed-driven construction to a safety-first, risk-managed approach that protects lives, reduces economic losses and builds public confidence in expanding tunnel infrastructure.