Arnold Dix, an internationally renowned tunnelling expert from Australia, played a pivotal role in a challenging rescue operation in Uttarakhand, India. He was brought in to assist in the evacuation of 41 workers trapped inside the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi. This operation, which garnered significant attention, lasted for 17 days.
Dix joined the rescue efforts on November 20, 2023, and his expertise was instrumental in the operation. He is not only an expert in tunneling but also serves as the President of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association. His involvement underscored the complexities and difficulties associated with such rescue missions in tunnel collapses, which he described as not “getting much harder.”
The successful rescue of the workers was a significant achievement, and Dix’s role was crucial in navigating the challenges posed by the collapsed tunnel. The operation highlights the importance of international collaboration and expertise in managing large-scale rescue efforts in difficult and potentially dangerous environments.