The Uttarkashi tunnel which collapsed, trapping 41 workers in Uttarakhand, did not have an emergency exit.

Government guidelines say that, emergency exit should be made in case of tunnels longer than 1.5 km. Even though the tunnel is being constructed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation, which is a government organisation, the government recommended safety guideline is not implemented. These details are disclosed by a member of the panel of experts investigating into the disaster has said under anonimity. It may be recollected that, the 10 Central Trade Unions of our country have already accused of violation of safety norms for the Uttarkashi tunnel disaster.

[Source: Deccan Herald dt. 24-11-2023]