A late-night train collision inside a tunnel at a major hydroelectric project site in Uttarakhand left around 60 people injured, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The accident involved a loco train carrying personnel and a goods train transporting construction material.
Collision in the Depths of the Tunnel
The incident occurred late Tuesday night inside the Pipalkoti tunnel, which is part of the under-construction 444-megawatt Vishnugad–Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project on the Alaknanda River. According to District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar, a total of 109 people were on board the loco train when it collided with the goods train. Both trains were operational within the confined project area being developed by THDC (India) Ltd.
Officials explained that such loco trains are routinely used inside long tunnels to ferry workers, officials, and materials during the construction phase of hydroelectric projects. The collision happened while one train was transporting people and the other was loaded with construction supplies.
Rescue Operations and Medical Response
Following the impact, a swift rescue operation was launched. All injured individuals have been successfully rescued, and authorities have stated their condition is now stable. Medical teams were quickly deployed to the site.
Surjeet Singh, the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Chamoli, provided a breakdown of the hospital admissions. 42 people were taken to the district hospital in Gopeshwar, of which 4-5 individuals sustained fractures. An additional 17 people received treatment at the Vivekananda Hospital in Pipalkoti. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Chamoli confirmed that 10 of the injured were shifted to Gopeshwar district hospital.
"Our police force and administrative officials are present in both hospitals to manage the situation and assist the injured," stated SP Surjeet Singh, confirming the administrative oversight of the medical response.
About the Hydroelectric Project
The Vishnugad–Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project is a significant power infrastructure undertaking located between Helang and Pipalkoti in Chamoli district. Upon completion, which is expected next year, the project is designed to generate 111 megawatts of power utilizing four turbines, contributing to the region's energy grid. The incident has cast a spotlight on the safety protocols within the construction site of this major national project.
