PM Speaks to Sikkim CM on Namchi Tunnel Collapse, Grants Ex-Gratia

The Prime Minister’s direct intervention mobilizes federal disaster relief and financial support as multi-agency search operations continue in Namchi.

NAMCHI, India — Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to assess ongoing rescue operations following a major tunnel collapse at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Namchi district. Expressing deep anguish over the loss of lives, the Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia financial assistance of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased worker and ₹50,000 for those injured in the disaster.

The tragic incident occurred on Monday at the under-construction hydroelectric tunnel located in Samardung. Emergency responders and specialized disaster management teams have been working continuously under difficult weather conditions to clear debris and reach trapped personnel.

Rescue Operations Underway Amid Difficult Terrain

Rescue efforts at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI site are being conducted under challenging environmental conditions. Heavy rainfall across northern Sikkim led to waterlogging inside the subterranean structure, temporarily hindering initial search efforts. Specialized dewatering pumps were deployed by emergency crews to drain the inundated sections before entry.

According to Namchi District Superintendent of Police Sonam Dolma, rescue teams have recovered 10 bodies from the site, while approximately 27 workers remain trapped inside. Authorities noted that the recovered victims include personnel from West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Assam, and local residents of Sikkim. Contact is being established with families to facilitate the identification and handover process.

Multiple disaster response units are currently active on ground zero, including teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed from Pakyong and Siliguri, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), local fire services, and medical personnel from Rangpo Primary Health Centre.

+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                      SIKKIM TUNNEL RESCUE DETAILS                        |
+------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Location                           | Namchi District, Sikkim             |
| Facility                           | NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydro Project  |
| Recovered Deceased                 | 10 personnel                        |
| Estimated Trapped Workers          | ~27 personnel                       |
| Federal Relief Assistance (PMNRF)  | ₹2 Lakh (Deceased) / ₹50,000 (Injured)|
| Key Responding Agencies            | NDRF, SDRF, SSDMA, Sikkim Police    |
+------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

Federal Support and Multi-Agency Investigation

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also held telephonic discussions with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to review ground conditions and assure the state administration of complete central assistance. The Ministry of Home Affairs is closely coordinating the deployment of additional logistical resources and technical equipment.

Regarding reports of potential gas hazards inside the affected shaft, local officials clarified that specialized chemical and gas expert units from Durgapur and Asansol have been summoned to conduct atmospheric assessments before deep rescue probes proceed. Authorities emphasized that a thorough technical inquiry will be instituted to establish the precise structural cause of the collapse once immediate search operations conclude.

Impact on Infrastructure Development and Local Community

The Teesta Stage VI project represents a key component of the region's renewable energy infrastructure. The temporary suspension of construction activities and the ongoing rescue focus highlight safety imperative in high-altitude engineering projects across the Eastern Himalayas.

For the families of the affected workers, the immediate ex-gratia relief from the PMNRF and state disaster management channels provides immediate financial aid, while local authorities arrange healthcare support and transportation services for affected households.

Official Sources Section

Information in this report is sourced from official statements released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), public communications from the Chief Minister's Office of Sikkim, press updates from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and operational updates provided by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority.

Quote Section

"According to officials, the Prime Minister assured the Sikkim Chief Minister of all possible support from the Central Government to expedite rescue operations and provide comprehensive relief to affected families."

Why It Matters

This administrative response underscores the coordination between central and state governments during major infrastructure disasters in ecologically sensitive hill states. The deployment of specialized NDRF units and financial ex-gratia assistance ensures rapid emergency intervention, emphasizing worker safety standards across ongoing hydroelectric construction corridors.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Financial Assistance: ₹2 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for injured workers from PMNRF.

• Casualties & Rescue: 10 bodies recovered, with search operations continuing for approximately 27 trapped workers.

• Location: NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project, Samardung, Namchi district, Sikkim.

• Inter-Governmental Coordination: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed rescue operations directly with Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang.

FAQ Section

What happened at the Namchi tunnel site in Sikkim?

An under-construction tunnel at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Namchi district collapsed on July 20, trapping workers inside.

What relief assistance has Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced?

The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased worker and ₹50,000 for each injured worker from the PMNRF.

Which agencies are leading the rescue efforts in Sikkim?

Rescue operations are being led by the NDRF, SDRF, SSDMA, Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and NHPC technical teams.

How many workers are affected by the tunnel collapse?

As of July 21, 2026, 10 bodies have been recovered, and search efforts continue for roughly 27 workers believed to be inside.

Source: Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Ministry of Home Affairs, Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)