The collapse, which occurred on Saturday, 22 February, trapped eight workers inside the tunnel during ongoing repair efforts to address a water leak. The rescue mission has been severely hindered by heavy water and mud infiltration, creating a hazardous environment with extremely limited visibility. 

Garuda Aerospace’s drones are being utilised to conduct mapping operations and aid in strategic rescue planning. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, the drones provide real-time video feeds, allowing responders to assess the situation inside the tunnel despite the poor visibility. This aerial perspective is proving vital in locating the trapped workers and expediting rescue efforts. Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting emergency response operations, stating: 

“Our drones are designed to provide critical data in challenging environments, and we are committed to supporting the NDRF in their efforts to rescue the trapped workers. The current situation demands the best technology available, and we are proud to contribute to the operation.

This is not the first time we have worked with the NDRF. Our drones have consistently proven their capabilities in disaster response operations.” Garuda Aerospace has a track record of leveraging drone technology for disaster management, industrial inspections, and agricultural applications. The company has previously collaborated with the NDRF to deliver essential supplies during floods in Assam and Andhra Pradesh, demonstrating the growing role of drones in humanitarian and emergency response missions. As the rescue operation continues, the integration of advanced drone technology is once again proving instrumental in disaster response, offering a critical edge in challenging rescue missions.