NHPC Sikkim Tunnel Collapse: Death Toll Rises to 22, Rescue Ongoing

Rescuers face severe conditions. Large sections of the tunnel are flooded with mud and water. Toxic fumes still linger, forcing teams to use breathing apparatus. Abhijit Kundu, Superintendent at Eastern Coalfields Ltd, said retrieving visible bodies was the priority. "Accumulated water makes movement very difficult."

An NDRF official said that after finishing the current recovery phase, teams would search the remaining sections of the tunnel for any other trapped workers.

NHPC has announced an ex gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the families of each deceased. Many of the victims were residents of Malbazar in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal.

The tunnel is part of the Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project, designed to channel high-pressure water from a reservoir to the powerhouse. The accident raises questions about safety protocols in underground construction, especially methane monitoring. NHPC's stock may come under pressure as investors weigh potential project delays, higher insurance costs, and possible regulatory scrutiny. No analyst reports have been published yet.

The rescue teams continue their search. The next update is expected once the remaining tunnel sections are cleared of debris and water.