NAMCHI — Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has deployed a 14-member specialized rescue squad to Sikkim to support multi-agency emergency operations at the Namchi tunnel accident site, where 25 lives were tragically lost.
Following directives from Coal India Limited (CIL) and top WCL management, the specialized team was airlifted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on July 22, 2026, to provide immediate technical support at the disaster zone.
Inter-Agency Coordination & Deployment Details
The rescue operation mobilized key public sector and disaster management assets to execute complex underground extraction efforts:
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Team Leadership: Led by Dinesh Bisen, General Manager (Safety & Rescue), WCL, the team consists of expert personnel trained in heavy underground rescue operations.
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Joint Disaster Operations: The WCL unit coordinated directly with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) on-site.
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Rapid Strategic Airlift: The Indian Air Force facilitated the rapid air-transportation of WCL personnel and specialized gear to ensure no time was lost in reaching the remote site.
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Homage to Victims: The CIL and WCL leadership extended their condolences to the families of the 25 victims who perished in the Namchi tunnel incident.
