Uttarakhand: Over 60 Injured in Loco Train Collision Inside Chamoli Hydropower Tunnel
By: Javid Amin | December 31, 2025
At least 60 workers were injured late Tuesday night after two loco trains collided inside the Vishnugad–Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, triggering a major rescue operation in the confined underground passage.
Officials confirmed that all passengers were safely evacuated, and the condition of the injured is reported to be stable.
What Happened Inside the Tunnel
According to preliminary information shared by district authorities:
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The accident occurred around 8:30 pm inside the 4.5-kilometre-long tunnel
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A loco train carrying workers and project officials collided with a stationary goods train
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The collision took place during a shift change, when worker movement inside the tunnel was at its peak
Around 109 people were onboard the workers’ train at the time of the incident.
Rescue Operation in a Confined Space
Rescue teams, including project authorities and district administration officials, were immediately rushed to the site.
Despite the challenges posed by:
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Limited lighting
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Narrow tunnel space
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Restricted movement for stretchers and equipment
All injured workers were successfully evacuated and shifted to nearby hospitals.
District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar confirmed that there were no fatalities and said the rescue operation was completed swiftly.
Extent of Injuries
Officials said:
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60–65 workers sustained injuries
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Most injuries are minor to moderate, including fractures, bruises, and head injuries
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No worker remains trapped inside the tunnel
Medical teams have been instructed to monitor the injured closely over the next 48 hours.
About the Vishnugad–Pipalkoti Project
The Vishnugad–Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project is one of Uttarakhand’s largest hydropower initiatives.
Project Snapshot
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Developer: Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC)
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Capacity: 444 MW
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Objective: Strengthen power supply in northern India
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Location: Alaknanda river basin, Chamoli district
The project employs hundreds of workers, many of whom operate in high-risk tunnel environments.
Safety Lapses Under Scrutiny
While the exact cause is under investigation, officials indicated that:
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Coordination and signaling failure inside the tunnel may have contributed
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Movement protocols during shift changes need review
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The presence of a stationary goods train inside the tunnel raises operational questions
Industrial safety experts note that underground rail movement without automated signaling systems significantly increases accident risk.
Inquiry Ordered
The district administration has ordered a formal inquiry into the incident.
The probe will examine:
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Tunnel traffic management protocols
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Communication between train operators
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Safety clearances during shift transitions
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Emergency response preparedness
Officials said responsibility will be fixed if negligence is established.
Worker Safety in Focus
The accident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of workers engaged in large-scale infrastructure projects in mountainous terrain.
Most of the injured were:
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Daily-wage or contract workers
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Engaged in tunneling, transport, and logistics
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Dependent on internal project transport systems for movement
Labour groups are expected to demand:
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Improved safety audits
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Better compensation mechanisms
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Transparent disclosure of inquiry findings
Risks and Broader Implications
| Area | Concern |
|---|---|
| Operational Safety | Tunnel transport coordination failures |
| Emergency Response | Difficulty of evacuations underground |
| Project Timelines | Possible delays due to safety review |
| Worker Welfare | Renewed focus on labour protection |
A Pattern of Industrial Risk
Chamoli district has witnessed multiple infrastructure-related emergencies in recent years, reinforcing concerns about:
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Construction in fragile Himalayan zones
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High-pressure timelines overriding safety checks
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Insufficient redundancy in emergency systems
Experts say hydropower projects must balance energy goals with strict worker-safety compliance, especially in underground operations.
Official Assurance
Authorities have assured that:
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All injured workers will receive full medical care
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The project site will undergo a safety reassessment
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Operations inside the tunnel will remain restricted until preliminary findings are reviewed
Project Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project (VPHEP) |
| Capacity | 444 MW (4 × 111 MW units) |
| Location | Alaknanda River, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand |
| Executing Agency | THDC India Limited (THDCIL) |
| Project Type | Run-of-the-river scheme with diversion dam |
| Objective | Provide peaking power to Northern Grid & support local development |
Bottom Line
While the absence of fatalities has brought relief, the Chamoli tunnel collision is one of the most serious industrial accidents in Uttarakhand this year. It exposes critical gaps in underground transport safety and underscores the human cost borne by workers in ambitious infrastructure projects.
As investigations begin, attention will now turn to whether this incident becomes a turning point for stronger safety enforcement—or fades into another statistic in the state’s long list of industrial mishaps.
