THDC to Provide ₹5 Lakh Ex-Gratia to Families of Deceased and ₹1 Lakh to Injured in VPHEP Tail Race Tunnel Accident

Rishikesh: In view of the unfortunate incident that occurred on August 13, 2026, at the Tail Race Tunnel (TRT) of the Vishnugad–Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project (VPHEP), THDC India Limited (THDCIL) has announced to provide an ex-gratia amount of ₹5 lakh to the Next of Kin (NoK) of each deceased worker and ₹1 lakh to each injured worker.

The management of THDCIL expresses its profound grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in this tragic accident and conveys its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. During this difficult and painful time, THDCIL stands with the affected families with utmost sensitivity and commitment and will extend all possible support and assistance to them.

चमोली के पिपलकोटी में THDC के 444 MW विष्णुगाड-पिपलकोटी हाइड्रो प्रोजेक्ट की टेल रेस टनल (TRT) में सुरंग ढह गई,
अब तक 8 मजदूरों को सुरक्षित निकाल लिया गया
कई और के फंसे होने की आशंका है
सुरंग निर्माण HCC कर रही है#chamoli #tunnel #thdc #hcc #uttrakhand pic.twitter.com/V7fYdIRQXa

— Mahima Singh (@MahimaS45382990) August 13, 2026

Talking to media, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “At the THDC tunnel under construction in Chamoli, a sudden surge of debris and water trapped 22 workers who were on duty at the time,”

He said, “All agencies, including the NDRF, SDRF, and the Uttarakhand government’s district administration, are keeping a constant watch on the situation. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry to uncover the facts clearly and determine what precautions need to be taken in the future. The safety of the personnel working on any construction project must be our top priority, at any cost. I issued instructions to this effect yesterday.”