The trapped labourers, sustained in the collapsed tunnel, are confirmed to be safe. They are receiving essential provisions like oxygen, water, and light food items such as dry fruits to sustain them during the rescue process.

Officials overseeing the rescue mission have set a target to evacuate the trapped workers by Tuesday night or possibly Wednesday. This proactive approach emphasizes the urgency and determination to ensure the workers' safe retrieval.

The incident occurred when a portion of the under-construction tunnel between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway collapsed due to a landslide that struck on Sunday morning.

Both the large-diameter mild steel pipes and the auger machine crucial for creating the escape route arrived at the site early Tuesday, paving the way for initiating the rescue operation promptly.

Preparations are underway to set up a platform for the auger drilling machine, ensuring a stable and efficient operation. The 900mm diameter mild steel pipes are being strategically used to facilitate the escape route construction.

Continuous communication is maintained with the trapped workers, assuring them of the ongoing extensive rescue efforts by multiple agencies. This communication is crucial in uplifting their spirits and maintaining hope.

A temporary six-bed hospital and ten ambulances, equipped with medical teams, have been established near the tunnel collapse site. These facilities are prepped to provide immediate medical attention to the workers upon their rescue.

A detailed breakdown of the trapped workers' locations of origin highlights a diverse representation, with individuals from Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Assam, and Himachal Pradesh being affected.