The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has praised the courage and patience of the 41 construction workers rescued from a collapse, Himalayan road tunnel after 17 days. There's been widespread relief in India after the men were extracted following days of drilling through rock and debris. Here's our South Asia correspondent, Sumira Husain.

This moment, more than two weeks in the making, 41 trapped workers finally rescued. An eruption of cheers from workers and onlookers, people sharing sweets and hugs.

These are the ambulances with the first workers that have come out from inside the tunnel. 17 days they have spent inside that tunnel, and now they are finally out and in those ambulances.

Rescueers spent the last several days pushing an 800 millimeter pipe through 60 meters of rubble and debris. Once through, the men were pulled out on wheeled stretchers, one by one. It's been a harrowing experience for the men inside and those working to get them out. How do you feel?

Oh, after twelve days. I think it's good.

Joydary has been here for 14 days, watching the mouth of the tunnel and waiting for this moment where he could kiss his son.

I am very happy. I am 55 and I have seen life. But my son is very young. He has a long life. I want him to fight every storm in his long life.

The rescue operation that gripped the country finally has its happy ending. Samir Hussein, BBC News, Udarkashi.