A serious accident involving two locomotive trains occurred late Tuesday evening, December 30, 2025, inside a tunnel of a major hydroelectric project in Uttarakhand. The collision resulted in injuries to dozens of workers and personnel present at the site.
Details of the Chamoli Tunnel Accident
The incident took place within the tunnel of the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydroelectric project, located in the Chamoli district. According to official statements from Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar, the collision happened late in the evening. He confirmed that there were a total of 109 individuals on the train at the time of the accident.
Out of the 109 people on board, 60 sustained injuries of varying severity. The exact cause of the collision between the two loco trains is currently under investigation. Emergency services were immediately alerted and rushed to the remote tunnel site to initiate rescue and relief operations.
Rescue Operations and Immediate Aftermath
Rescue teams faced significant challenges due to the accident's location deep inside the hydroelectric project tunnel. The narrow confines and potential for instability required a careful and coordinated response. All injured personnel were successfully evacuated and transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar is overseeing the response efforts. Authorities have launched a detailed inquiry to determine the sequence of events that led to the collision. The focus remains on providing the best possible medical care to the injured and ensuring the safety of the site.
Project Background and Safety Concerns
The Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydroelectric project is a significant infrastructure undertaking in the region. Incidents like this highlight the inherent risks associated with large-scale construction projects, especially those in challenging geographical terrains like the Himalayas.
This accident is likely to prompt a thorough review of safety protocols and operational procedures for rail transport within the tunnel. Questions about communication systems, track management, and worker safety during night hours are expected to be central to the investigation.
The state government and project authorities are expected to issue further updates on the condition of the injured and the findings of the preliminary investigation as details emerge.
