Major Accident at Under-Construction Hydropower Tunnel in Chamoli
A serious industrial accident occurred late on Tuesday night at a major hydropower project site in Uttarakhand, leaving dozens of workers injured. The incident involved a collision between two industrial locomotives, commonly known as loco trains, inside a tunnel at the under-construction 444 MW Vishnugad–Pipalkoti hydroelectric project in the Pipalkoti area of Chamoli district.
Details of the Collision and Immediate Aftermath
The accident took place during a crucial shift change period, a time when worker movement is typically high. Officials confirmed that a total of 109 workers were present inside the tunnel at the moment of impact. According to District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar, the collision happened between one loco train that was transporting workers and another that was carrying construction material.
Emergency response was swiftly activated following the crash. 70 injured workers were transported to the district hospital in Gopeshwar for medical attention. Of these, the majority—66 workers—were treated for their injuries and discharged after receiving first aid. However, four workers sustained injuries serious enough to require admission for further treatment and observation.
In a parallel effort, another 18 workers received first aid at Vivekanand Hospital in Pipalkoti itself before being sent home. Authorities reported that 21 workers were fortunate to escape the incident without any physical harm and left the project site directly.
Official Response and Investigation Launched
Senior administrative and police officials rushed to the site and hospitals upon receiving information about the mishap. District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar and SP Surjeet Singh Panwar immediately visited the district hospital to personally assess the condition of the injured. They issued directives to the medical staff to ensure all victims received the best possible care.
The accident also drew attention from the state's highest office. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took stock of the situation and instructed concerned officials to provide the highest standard of medical treatment to all those affected by the collision.
A formal probe has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the collision. Officials noted that such loco trains are routinely used within the confines of long tunnels during construction to ferry workers, officials, and essential materials. The investigation will scrutinize the procedures and circumstances that led to this unfortunate event.
About the Vishnugad–Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project
The site of the accident, the Vishnugad–Pipalkoti hydroelectric project, is a significant infrastructure undertaking on the Alaknanda River. It is situated between Helang and Pipalkoti in Chamoli district and is being constructed by THDC (India) Limited. The project is designed to generate power through four turbines and is a key component of the region's energy infrastructure development, with a target completion date set for next year. This incident underscores the inherent risks associated with large-scale construction projects, especially those involving extensive underground tunneling work.
