Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday conferred the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak on 12 rat miners in recognition of their exceptional courage and selfless service during the Silkyara Tunnel rescue operation, which led to the successful rescue of trapped workers after the tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand.
The investiture ceremony was held in New Delhi in the presence of Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra, senior officials of the Ministry, the Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the Managing Director of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Gadkari described the Silkyara tunnel collapse as one of the most challenging rescue operations undertaken in recent years, saying the incident had caused widespread concern across the country. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi closely monitored the rescue efforts and ensured that all possible resources were mobilised for the safe evacuation of the trapped workers.
The Minister said experts from multiple agencies, including MoRTH, NHIDCL, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Indian Army, Uttarakhand Government and technical specialists from across the country, worked together to execute the complex rescue mission. Various engineering solutions, including vertical drilling and other technical interventions, were explored during the operation.
Gadkari said a major breakthrough came with the successful insertion of a pipeline into the collapsed section of the tunnel, enabling food, water, medicines and other essential supplies to reach the trapped workers. He added that the most critical phase of the operation was completed through the extraordinary efforts of the rat miners, who voluntarily entered the narrow and hazardous passage to manually remove the remaining debris, making the safe rescue of all the trapped workers possible.
Congratulating the awardees, the Minister said the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak was a fitting recognition of their extraordinary bravery and dedication to saving lives. He remarked that risking one’s own life to protect others reflected the highest ideals of courage, humanity and public service, and said their actions would continue to inspire future generations.
Gadkari also acknowledged the collective efforts of all agencies and personnel involved in the successful rescue operation.
During the ceremony, each awardee received the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, a certificate and a miniature medal. The recipients were also granted a lump-sum monetary award of ₹2 lakh each, which was disbursed through online mode.
The award recipients are Vaqeel Hasan, Munna, Ankur Kumar, Monu Kumar, Devendra, Mohd Rashid, Firoz Qureshi, Jatin Kashyap, Shorabh Kashyap, Mohd Irshad, Nasruddin and Naseem, whose courage and determination played a pivotal role in one of India’s most remarkable rescue operations.
