The Raniganj coal mine, located in the Asansol region of West Bengal, is one of the oldest and largest coal mines in India. On the fateful day of July 3, 2019, a blast occurred at a depth of around 100 meters, blocking the exit and trapping several miners inside. The explosion was believed to have been caused by a buildup of methane gas, which is a common hazard in coal mines.
The trouble began in the early hours of November 13, 1989. Around 220 miners were working the night shift at the Mahabir Colliery, a coal mine in the Raniganj area about 180 kilometers from Kolkata. They were deep underground, about 330 to 380 feet below the surface, excavating coal through controlled explosions.
The rescue at Raniganj was hailed as a monumental achievement. Jaswant Singh Gill became a national hero, affectionately nicknamed "Capsule Gill" for his ingenious invention. In 1991, he was awarded the , India's highest civilian bravery award, by then-President R. Venkataraman. His feat was also recognized by the Limca Book of Records as the most successful and largest rescue operation in the history of Indian mining. In a fitting tribute to his selfless act, Coal India Ltd. declared November 16 as "Rescue Day," a day that is still observed to honor the spirit of courage and innovation that saved so many lives.
Above ground, a temporary field hospital was set up. Families gathered, chanting prayers. The press arrived, then the politicians. But Shekhawat refused to stop for speeches. By the second night, the water level in the mine began to rise again—a secondary leak had opened. The last miners were standing on a shrinking ledge, water lapping at their chins. The 65th man to ascend was , the unofficial leader. He had insisted on going last. When the capsule finally broke the surface, he was hypothermic and barely conscious. He had spent 47 hours submerged to his neck in coal-black water. raniganj coal mine rescue full
A deeper look into the and his career after the rescue.
One by one, the miners emerged from the "rat hole" into the sunlight. When the 65th man was pulled to safety, Gill finally entered the capsule himself. He was the last man to leave the mine.
Of the 71 trapped, six miners were swept away and feared drowned. The remaining 65, however, managed to reach a "rise part" of the pit—an elevated area that remained above the waterline. In the midst of the terror, a slender lifeline remained: a telephone connection through a borehole that was still working, allowing them to communicate with the world above ground. The message they sent was chilling but provided a glimmer of hope: they were alive, but for how long? The Raniganj coal mine, located in the Asansol
, an additional chief mining engineer who risked his life to save 65 workers trapped in a flooded pit. The Disaster at Mahabir Colliery On the night of November 13, 1989
Time was the enemy. With limited oxygen and the psychological toll of entrapment, the rescue team knew that every minute counted.
As the drill bit broke through the roof of the gallery, the rescue team shouted down, hoping for a response. To their immense relief, the trapped miners responded. Communication was established, and the team confirmed that all 65 men were alive but running out of air. The trouble began in the early hours of November 13, 1989
Rescue teams worked tirelessly, often in treacherous conditions, to locate the trapped miners. The operation involved drilling through rubble and debris, setting up makeshift medical facilities, and providing critical supplies, such as food, water, and oxygen, to the trapped workers.
The heroism of Jaswant Singh Gill, and the story of "Mission Raniganj," has long deserved a global audience. After years of development, the incredible true story was finally brought to the silver screen in the 2023 Bollywood film, , starring Akshay Kumar in the role of Jaswant Singh Gill. [5†L15-L21] [17†L5-L8]