Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assessed the situation in Chamoli following a collision between two trains inside the Pipalkoti tunnel of the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project, which left around 60 people injured. CM Dhami is closely coordinating with authorities to ensure proper medical care for the injured individuals.
In a statement, CM Dhami mentioned being in constant communication with the District Magistrate of Chamoli regarding the accident at the under-construction THDC Vishnu Gad – Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project. He emphasized the need for enhanced medical facilities for the injured and their referral to higher medical centers as required.
The incident occurred during a shift change at the THDC hydroelectric project construction site in Pipalkoti. Two locomotive trains transporting workers and materials collided inside the tunnel, resulting in numerous injuries.
Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar reported that 109 people were on board the train carrying workers during the accident, with approximately 60 individuals sustaining injuries. All those involved have been rescued, and the injured persons are in stable condition.
The collision involved a locomotive train carrying workers and officials and another transporting construction material within the Pipalkoti tunnel of the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti project. These trains are commonly used for transportation inside tunnels during construction activities.
Ten injured individuals have been transferred to the district hospital in Gopeshwar for treatment, while 17 others are receiving medical care at Vivekananda Hospital in Pipalkoti. The remaining injured persons are also reported to be in stable condition.
The collision caused panic and chaos inside the tunnel, prompting relief and rescue operations by project management and local authorities. The Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project, a 444-megawatt initiative on the Alaknanda River, aims to generate 111 megawatts of electricity through four turbines and is slated for completion next year.
