SILKYARA - Efforts to rescue 41 men trapped in an Indian Himalayan tunnel faced a setback as drilling equipment issues halted progress, according to an official on Friday. The low-wage construction workers have been stranded since the tunnel collapse on Nov. 12.

While they have essential supplies and are deemed safe, attempts to drill through debris were hampered by equipment problems. The drilling, originally expected to conclude on Thursday, was paused due to damage to the drilling platform.

Despite the setback, rescuers plan to resume work once repairs are completed. The collapsed tunnel is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage route, a significant project for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

The $1.5 billion initiative aims to connect four key Hindu pilgrimage sites with a 550-mile two-lane road. In response to the incident, the National Highways Authority of India will conduct safety audits on 29 tunnels under construction.