Teen-patti, Khaini & Shaktimaan tip: How trapped workers in Uttarkashi tunnel are keeping spirits high

In the darkness of the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi, a peculiar rhythm has emerged as trapped workers endure the agonizing wait for evacuation. According to TOI reports, the tunnel has transformed into an unexpected playground, where those yearning to be rescued engage in intense games of 'chor-police,' rounds of teen patti, and rummy to keep their spirits high.

Medical experts on-site suggest that these activities serve as effective stress-relievers during their prolonged entrapment. Authorities, in an effort to alleviate the strain of the ongoing evacuation ordeal, have not only supplied essential provisions like food and light but also equipped the trapped individuals with a deck of playing cards.

Additionally, to prevent potential "withdrawal symptoms" among the trapped workers, a stash of khaini – edible crushed tobacco widely used in Bihar, Jharkhand, and UP – has been sent into the collapsed tunnel.


Dr. Prem Pokhriyal, the lead doctor stationed outside the tunnel, told TOI: "When I asked them what they do to kill time inside the tunnel, they replied, 'we play chor-police.' We also provided a pack of cards to them. In fact, I asked them to repeat behind me 'Mein shaktiman atmaa hoon' – and they did it," he said.

Dr. Pokhriyal believes that while the workers will likely emerge physically fine, some may experience psychometric changes due to the prolonged absence of sunlight.

Forty one tunnel construction workers are trapped inside the collapsed tunnel site for over 11 days. The government has launched a multi-agency rescue operation, which had been focusing on the strategy of horizontal drilling since the past couple of days.

What happened on Nov 12 in Uttarkashi Tunnel?
On November 12, 2023, at 5.30 am, a collapse occurred inside the tunnel during reprofiling work, trapping approximately 41 workers at a location 205-260 m from the portal. The trapped area measures 8.5 m in height and spans 2 km.