Two workers pulled alive from tunnel nine days after Nepal

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Financial Intelligence • Markets • World News • Independent Analysis
Published: 2026-09-11 • Permanent link

Rumors of a major rescue operation in Nepal had been circulating for days, and it appears that the whispers were true. Two workers, identified as Ramesh Bhandari and Dinesh Thapa, were pulled alive from the Trishuli 3A hydropower tunnel nine days after they were trapped at a depth of 170 meters. The rescue effort was led by the Nepalese Army and was facilitated by a team of international experts. The workers were said to be in stable condition, although they were reportedly shaken by their ordeal.

The successful rescue of Bhandari and Thapa has sent shockwaves through the global construction industry, with many experts hailing it as a major breakthrough. The incident highlights the risks associated with working in deep tunnels and the importance of having robust emergency response plans in place. Investors in the hydropower sector, which has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, may also be breathing a sigh of relief following the successful rescue.

The Trishuli 3A hydropower tunnel is one of the largest and most complex projects in Nepal, with a total cost of over $1 billion. The tunnel, which is expected to be completed by 2025, will provide a significant boost to Nepal's energy sector and help to reduce the country's reliance on imported fuel. The project has been closely monitored by international observers, who have praised the Nepalese government for its efforts to ensure the tunnel's safety.

As the rescue efforts continue, officials are now focusing on the long-term implications of the incident. An investigation into the cause of the accident is already underway, and it is likely that the incident will lead to significant changes in the way that hydropower tunnels are designed and constructed. The Nepalese government has also announced plans to increase funding for emergency response training and equipment, in an effort to prevent similar incidents in the future.