As grievances grow, rescue efforts intensify for workers trapped inside Trishuli 3A Tunnel

Grievances are mounting over the pace of rescue efforts as an estimated 35–40 workers, including a team of technical experts from the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), remain trapped inside the tunnel of the 60-MW Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project in Rasuwa.

The workers were trapped while carrying out overhaul and maintenance work at the hydropower project. The group includes senior technical personnel from the NEA’s Generation Directorate, as well as experts deployed from other hydropower projects to assist with the scheduled annual servicing.

Every hydropower project requires periodic overhaul and servicing of its equipment and technical infrastructure. The Upper Trishuli 3A project was undergoing such maintenance when the workers became trapped inside the tunnel.

An NEA official said the authority had received information that around 35–40 people were trapped inside the project. The official said the group included a large team of experienced technical personnel whose expertise was required for the overhaul work.

“We have to seek the government’s support. The Army is handling the rescue operation, and we have repeatedly requested the government to speed it up,” the official said. “We believe they can be rescued safely if the tunnel can be opened quickly.”

The Prime Minister’s Office said the government has been working for the past two days to rescue those trapped inside the tunnel and has now intensified efforts to clear the entrance.

According to the PMO, mud and debris blocking the tunnel entrance are being removed on a priority basis. Rescue teams have been working since early Saturday to reopen the access point and begin a more direct search operation inside the tunnel.

A joint team of 82 security personnel has been continuously engaged in the operation since Friday night. The team includes 62 personnel from the Nepali Army and 20 from the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police.

The rescue operation has been complicated by adverse weather conditions in the area, according to the PMO. The difficult terrain and accumulation of mud and debris have slowed efforts to reach the tunnel.

Meanwhile, an Indian rescue team that arrived to assist the government has reached Trishuli. The team is conducting an initial aerial reconnaissance of the Chilime and Langtang areas by helicopter and plans to assess the situation before determining what additional rescue operations may be required.

The government’s intensified response follows growing concern among the families and colleagues of those trapped inside the project.

Families and relatives have been visiting the NEA’s central office and urging authorities to accelerate the rescue operation. They have raised concerns about the pace of the response and demanded that every possible resource be mobilised to bring the trapped workers out safely.