The incident unfolded in Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, specifically in the Barkot-Silkyara tunnel, this map shows its location.
This is a two-lane bi-directional tunnel being constructed as a part of the Modi Government’s ₹120 billion Char Dham project. This is a highway project connecting 4 North Indian Dhams. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. Roads will be built connecting these four dhams, to reduce the travelling distance between them.
PM Modi laid the foundation stone of this project in December 2016. This particular tunnel was announced in February 2018. under the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway Section.
The purpose of this tunnel was to reduce the distance between Gangotri and Yamnotri by approximately 20 km and 45 minutes of travel time. The estimated cost of the project is ₹13.83 billion, overseen by Navyug Engineering Company Limited under the guidance of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.
