Sikkim Tunnel Rescue Ends With All 25 Workers Found Dead
All 25 trapped workers were confirmed dead after the rescue operation concluded at the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project tunnel in Sikkim.
The rescue mission at the Sikkim Government Official Portal started on July 20, 2026, after a sudden methane gas explosion occurred inside the tunnel. Toxic fumes and high gas levels made the rescue work very difficult for the NDRF, SDRF, Sikkim Police, and the Directorate General of Mines Safety.
Compensation and Relief
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced financial help of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each deceased worker and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for each deceased worker family. The victims came from ten different states including West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar as reported by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Investigations Started
High-level investigations were launched by Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal Khattar and the Sikkim government to find the cause of the disaster. Project owner NHPC and construction company Patel Engineering Limited will also conduct internal investigations.