A major accident occurred in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Tuesday when two rail-mounted vehicles collided inside an underground tunnel of the Vishnugad–Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project, leaving 60 people injured. The incident took place inside the Pipalkoti tunnel, where visibility is extremely low due to darkness and ongoing construction activity.
According to District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar, a total of 109 officers and workers were on board a loco train at the time of the accident. One train was transporting project personnel, while the other was carrying construction material. Both vehicles collided head-on inside the tunnel. All individuals trapped inside were safely evacuated, and officials confirmed that the condition of all injured persons is stable.
Treatment Underway at Multiple Hospitals
Superintendent of Police Surjeet Singh said that 42 injured workers have been admitted to the District Hospital in Gopeshwar, out of which five have sustained fractures. Another 17 injured persons are undergoing treatment at Vivekanand Hospital in Pipalkoti. Medical teams are closely monitoring the patients, and necessary arrangements have been made for advanced treatment if required.
Rail-like Vehicles Used for Tunnel Operations
Officials clarified that these trains are rail-like transport vehicles used locally within the tunnel to move workers, engineers, and construction materials during underground construction. They are not part of the Indian Railways network.
Chief Minister Orders Best Medical Care
Upon receiving information about the accident, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to the District Magistrate and took stock of the situation. He directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured and to refer them to higher medical centers if needed. The DM and SP personally visited the district hospital to check on the injured and instructed doctors to provide comprehensive care.
Hydropower Project Nearing Completion
The 444 MW Vishnugad–Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project, being developed by THDC India, is located on the Alaknanda River between Helang and Pipalkoti. The project comprises four turbines with a capacity of 111 MW each and is targeted for completion by next year.
No Connection With Indian Railways
The Uttarakhand government has issued a clarification stating that the incident has no connection with Indian Railways. The transport system involved in the accident is a project-specific, locally operated arrangement used exclusively for tunnel construction work.
Authorities have ordered a detailed inquiry into the cause of the collision, while relief and medical efforts continue to ensure the safety and recovery of all affected workers.
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