Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, today conferred the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak on 12 rat miners in recognition of their exceptional courage and selfless service during the Silkyara Tunnel Rescue Operation. The investiture ceremony was held in New Delhi in the presence of Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Harsh Malhotra, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Managing Director, NHIDCL, and other senior officials.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Gadkari described the Silkyara tunnel collapse as one of the most challenging rescue operations undertaken in recent years, noting that the incident had caused deep concern across the country. He said the rescue operation received constant attention at the highest level, with the Prime Minister closely monitoring the developments and ensuring that all possible resources were mobilised for the safe evacuation of the trapped workers.

The Minister highlighted that experts from multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NHIDCL, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Indian Army, the Government of Uttarakhand and technical specialists from across the country, worked in close coordination to devise an effective rescue strategy. Various engineering solutions, including vertical drilling and other technical interventions, were explored during the course of the operation.

Shri Gadkari said a critical breakthrough was achieved with the successful insertion of a pipeline into the collapsed section of the tunnel, which enabled the supply of food, water, medicines and other essential items to the trapped workers. He noted that the most crucial phase of the rescue was accomplished through the extraordinary efforts of the rat miners, who voluntarily entered the confined and hazardous space to manually remove the remaining debris, enabling the safe rescue of all the trapped workers.

Commending the awardees, Shri Gadkari said that acts of such exceptional bravery and sacrifice become enduring examples for future generations. He observed that risking one's own life to save others reflects the highest ideals of courage, public service and humanity, and that the nation would always remember their invaluable contribution.

Congratulating the recipients, the Minister said the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak is a well-deserved recognition of their extraordinary courage and unwavering commitment to saving human lives. He expressed confidence that their exemplary service would inspire others to uphold the spirit of selfless service during times of adversity.

Shri Gadkari also acknowledged the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved in the rescue mission.

During the ceremony, Shri Gadkari presented the decoration medallion and certificate to each awardee. In addition to the main medallion, each recipient was also presented with a miniature medal. The awardees have been granted a lump-sum monetary allowance of ₹2,00,000 each, which has been disbursed through online mode.

The recipients of the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak are:

1. Shri Vaqeel Hasan
2. Shri Munna
3. Shri Ankur Kumar
4. Shri Monu Kumar
5. Shri Devendra
6. Shri Mohd Rashid
7. Shri Firoz Qureshi
8. Shri Jatin Kashyap
9. Shri Shorabh Kashyap
10. Shri Mohd Irshad
11. Shri Nasruddin
12. Shri Naseem

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GDH/DS/HJ

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