News: On December 30, 2025, a collision between two "loco-trolleys" (construction trains) inside the Pipalkoti tunnel in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, left 88 workers injured. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered.
Key Details for UPSC:
- Project Overview: A 444 MW run-of-the-river project on the Alaknanda River in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It is being developed by THDC India Ltd.
- Strategic Importance: Part of India’s push for renewable energy to meet the 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030.
- The Accident: The collision involved local "loco-trolleys" used to transport muck and workers. Indian Railways clarified these were not standard trains but specialized project equipment.
- Environmental & Safety Concerns:
- Geological Fragility: The project is in the Main Central Thrust (MCT) zone, highly prone to seismic activity and landslides (Joshimath crisis context).
- TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) Risks: The accident occurred at the TBM site, highlighting the industrial hazards of deep-mountain tunneling.
- Mains Value-Add: Use this to discuss the trade-off between Himalayan infrastructure and ecological stability.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
