Tunnel Train Collision Injures Around 60 Workers in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli District
Around 60 people suffered injuries after two loco trains collided inside the Pipalkoti tunnel of the Vishnugad–Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district late Tuesday night, officials said. The accident occurred near Gopeshwar, triggering an emergency response from district authorities.
Workers Were Being Transported Inside the Tunnel
Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar said 109 people, mostly construction workers, were travelling inside the tunnel at the time of the collision. The train was being used to move personnel and construction material as part of the hydroelectric project’s internal transport system.
Rescue teams evacuated all passengers soon after the incident. Officials confirmed that all injured workers are in stable condition.
Two Project Trains Collided During Movement
According to district officials, one loco train carrying workers and another transporting construction material were moving inside the tunnel when the collision occurred. These trains operate on narrow tracks laid inside the tunnel to support ongoing construction work.
Such loco trains are commonly used in large infrastructure projects to move manpower, equipment, and supplies through long tunnel sections where road access is not possible.
Railways Clarify No Involvement in the Incident
The Indian Railways issued a clarification stating that the trains involved did not belong to the Railways. The organisation said the accident had no connection to its operations.
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In a statement, the Railways explained that the incident occurred due to a local trolley-based transportation system set up by the tunnel construction team. Officials stressed that this system functions independently and does not fall under the Railway network.
Injured Shifted to Hospital in Gopeshwar
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Chamoli said 10 injured workers were shifted to the district hospital in Gopeshwar for medical treatment. Others received first aid at the site or nearby medical facilities.
Medical teams continue to monitor the condition of the injured, while project authorities have begun an internal review to understand the cause of the collision.
About the Vishnugad–Pipalkoti Project
The 444-megawatt Vishnugad–Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project, being constructed by THDC India, is located on the Alaknanda River between Helang and Pipalkoti. The project plans to generate power through four turbines and is expected to become operational by next year.
Officials said safety protocols at the site will be reviewed following the incident.
