Meet Arnold Dix, the international expert who helped rescue 41 workers trapped in Uttarkashi tunnel

In Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel, 41 workers have been trapped since November 12. Many experts have been roped in to rescue the workers. Among them is international expert Arnold Dix, who was called on November 20 to help rescue the trapped workers.


Dix, who is the president of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, specialises in underground and transportation infrastructure, from construction risk to more technical issues associated with the actual safety performance from an operational safety perspective. He also provides advice on the risks associated with underground construction and is widely recognised as the world's leading expert on underground tunnelling.


"He provides risk mitigation and disaster response advice in complex technical, scientific, political, religious, and engineering contexts. He is recognised as an advocate, independent expert, and world authority in these areas," according to his website, arnolddix.com.
In his Twitter page, he describes himself as "Sci/lawyer/Fmr Prof Eng PDet Protecting Life + Property. Specialist in fires and disasters underground and complex buildings . Special Investigator."

According to his website, he was awarded the Alan Neyland Australasian Tunnelling Society bi-annual award for excellence in tunnelling (tunnel fire safety) and his contribution to fire safety in the world in March 2011. This is the highest honour for tunnelling professionals in Australia.

"In 2020 Professor Dix joined with Lord Robert Mair and the Honorable Peter Vickery QC to form Underground Works Chambers. In 2008 the British Tunnelling Society invited him to present the prestigious bi-annual Harding Lecture on contemporary world tunnelling issues," the website added.