NHPC says efforts under way to evacuate personnel trapped in under-construction tunnel in Sikkim project

NHPC Ltd on Tuesday said all efforts were being made to evacuate personnel trapped in the under-construction tunnel of Teesta Stage-VI hydroelectric project, Sikkim, after a sudden burst of what is suspected to be methane gas leading to the explosion and collapse of the tunnel.

As per the latest information from site, 25 people were trapped inside the tunnel, out of which 10 casualties have been reported.

"Anguished by the loss of lives due to the collapse of an under-construction tunnel in Namchi, Sikkim. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X.


"An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000."

This is not the first tragedy engulfing NHPC's hydro power project in the state.

In October 2023, the Teesta Stage-V power station was partly damaged after a glacial lake outburst flood triggered flash floods in the Teesta basin, inundating the 510 MW project which led to a temporary shutdown of the units.

The Teesta Stage-VI project, being developed by NHPC, is a 500 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric project located on the Teesta River in Sikkim. The project is under construction and forms part of the Centre's broader plan to harness the hydropower potential of the northeastern region.

According to NHPC, senior officials have reached the site and are coordinating rescue operations with the district administration, State Disaster Response Force, police and other agencies.

The cause of the incident is yet to be officially established, although preliminary information from the site points to a sudden release of methane gas inside the tunnel leading to the explosion and subsequent collapse.

Further details are expected after the completion of rescue operations and a formal investigation into the incident.