Rishikesh, August 18, 2026
Following the unfortunate incident that occurred on August 13, 2026, at the Tail Race Tunnel (TRT) of the Vishnugad–Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project (VPHEP), the search and rescue operation for the missing workers has been completed today, August 18, 2026.
As informed earlier, out of the total 22 workers deployed/engaged by the main executing agency, HCC, at the tunnel at the time of the incident, 12 workers were safely evacuated and admitted to hospitals for treatment. In the accident, 7 workers lost their lives, while 3 workers were missing. Subsequently, the body of one missing worker was recovered on August 15, 2026, and today on August 18, 2026, the bodies of the remaining two missing workers have also been recovered.
THDC India Limited (THDCIL) expresses its deepest condolences and sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones in this extremely tragic incident. In this difficult time, the Corporation stands with the affected families with utmost sensitivity and commitment and remains committed to extending all possible support to them. Appropriate treatment and necessary medical assistance are also being ensured for the injured workers.
Immediately following the incident, a relief and rescue operation was launched, in which joint teams comprising NDRF, SDRF, CISF, District Administration, THDCIL and HCC worked round the clock with continuous coordination. Necessary resources and equipment were continuously deployed for dewatering the tunnel, removing debris, and ensuring the safe movement of search and rescue teams.
Senior officials, including the Managing Director of THDCIL, regularly monitored the rescue operation at the site and ensured continuous coordination with all concerned agencies.
THDCIL expresses its sincere gratitude to all concerned agencies, relief and rescue teams, and all personnel who provided direct and indirect support during this challenging operation.
