Tunnel Expert Arnold Dix Visits Temple in Uttarakashi With SDRF Workers After Successful Rescue Op – News18

International tunnel expert Arnold Dix visited Baba Baukh Nag’s temple in Uttarkashi with SDRF workers and appreciated them for their role in rescuing 41 workers from the Silkyara tunnel.

“They stood soldiers to soldiers in the rescue. Each one of us relying on each other, not letting each other down… You have done amazing things,” said Dix, who heads the Geneva-based International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association.

Dix was also seen offering prayers at a temple outside the Silkyara tunnel for the safety of trapped workers on Tuesday morning.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday hailed the successful rescue of all 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand’s Silkyara tunnel for almost 17 days as a wonderful achievement by India.

Albanese, in a post on X, also wrote that he was proud that Australian tunnelling expert Professor Arnold Dix played a role on the ground in the rescue operations.

“Wonderful achievement by Indian authorities. Proud that Australian Professor Arnold Dix played a role on the ground,” Albanese wrote.

Australia’s High Commissioner in India Philip Green also praised the rescue of all 41 workers from the collapsed tunnel as “an immense achievement.” “This is an immense achievement. Well done to the Indian authorities for successfully evacuating all 41 workers trapped in the tunnel in #Uttarkhand. Special commendation to Australia’s Professor Arnold Dix who provided important technical support on the ground,” he posted on X.

Who Is Arnold Dix?

Arnold Dix is widely recognised as the world’s leading expert on underground tunnelling. He is the Australian president of the 79-nation International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association in Switzerland.

As per his official website, Arnold advises on the peculiar risks associated with underground construction from geotechnical investigations, selection of the best techniques and equipment, to selecting the most appropriate contractual arrangements, fire and life safety and dispute resolution mechanisms.

At the operational level, Arnold was also invited by the United States to serve on the prestigious United States National Fire Protections Underground Road and Rail Committees (130 & 502) which underlie the safety standards for a large proportion of the world’s underground road and rail systems.