NHPC announces Rs 5 lakh compensation for families of Sikkim tunnel accident victims

PTI, July 22, 2026, New Delhi: State-run NHPC on Wednesday announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for the next of kin of each deceased in a blast incident at an under-construction tunnel at the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim.

According to a company statement, rescue operations at the Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of NHPC's Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in South Sikkim are continuing round the clock, with close coordination among the District Administration, NDRF, SDRF, NHPC, Patel Engineering, Eastern Coalfields, Western Coalfields, local authorities and other agencies involved in the response.

Of the 25 personnel trapped inside the tunnel, 13 bodies have been retrieved so far, the company stated.

Every possible effort continues to be made to locate and evacuate the remaining personnel at the earliest, it stated.

NHPC's top management is present at the site, closely monitoring and coordinating the rescue operations with all agencies involved, it informed.

NHPC will provide an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased in this unfortunate incident, it stated.

NHPC expressed its profound grief over the tragic loss of lives and extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief, it added.