HYDERABAD: In a significant breakthrough, rescue teams have successfully retrieved the loco engine from the accident site inside the SLBC tunnel. The rescue operations, which are progressing at double the pace, are being overseen by SLBC Tunnel Special Officer Shivashankar Loteti, who commended the efforts of the teams involved.
On Saturday, multiple agencies participated in the intensified rescue efforts inside the SLBC tunnel. Among the participants were army officers, Vikas Singh and Vijay Kumar, Singareni Mines Rescue GM Baidya, Kalwakurthy RDO Srinivasulu, NDRF officer Kiran Kumar, SDRF officer Giridhar Reddy, GSI official Pankaj Thirugun, RAT Hole Miners’ representative Firoz Qureshi, South Central Railway officials, Anvi Robotics representatives Vijay and Akshay, and JP company representatives.
A review meeting was held at the SLBC Tunnel Inlet 1 Office, chaired by Special Officer Shivashankar Loteti. He emphasized that daily rescue efforts are proceeding with clear targets. He appreciated the retrieval of the buried loco engine from the site, encouraging the teams to continue with the same momentum.
He stated that teams have been working around the clock inside the tunnel to expedite operations. The excavation work around the area where the loco engine and train cabins were trapped under debris has been completed. The engine and cabins have been brought out of the tunnel. Detailed internal inspections are now being carried out to trace the missing personnel.
Twelve rescue teams from both central and state government agencies are actively involved in the operations. Loteti noted that advanced technology is being used to speed up the process, with necessary facilities and equipment made available to all teams.
Daily water suction, soil excavation, and steel removal tasks are being conducted simultaneously. Four excavators and two bobcats are being used to remove debris continuously, which is being shifted out using conveyor belts. Based on excavation progress, work on restoring ventilation is also underway.