SLBC tunnel rescue nears completion as MARCOS and BRO join operations. Telangana Govt deploys advanced technology to expedite efforts.
HYDERABAD: The SLBC tunnel rescue operation has entered its final stages, with the Indian Marine Commando Force (MARCOS) and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) joining efforts to save eight workers trapped near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district. Telangana Irrigation & Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that the government had intensified rescue operations, leveraging elite forces, national agencies, and cutting-edge technology to ensure a swift and safe evacuation.
Following a high-level assessment over the past two days, Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy confirmed that a well-defined action plan had been formulated to secure both rescuers and survivors.
Rescue Plan Finalized After High-Level Review
“The situation was initially too risky for the rescuers themselves. However, after thorough assessments, we have devised strategies to minimize these risks and expedite the rescue. With a concrete plan in place, we are accelerating operations,” the minister said.
He assured that the rescue would be completed within two days, with new approaches being implemented to navigate the tunnel’s challenges. “We are also exploring alternate access routes, including the main exit and side approaches, to hasten the process,” he added.
A high-level review meeting took place at the site on Wednesday, attended by Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, MP Dr. Mallu Ravi, Jadcherla MLA Anirudh Reddy, Setwin Chairman Giridhar Reddy, Special Chief Secretary for Disaster Management Arvind Kumar, Nagarkurnool Collector Badavath Santosh, SP Gaikwad Raghunath, and TSSPDCL CMD Musharraf Ali. The officials assessed ongoing efforts and planned the next phase of the rescue.
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that 11 specialized teams, including MARCOS, BRO, the Navy, Army, NDRF, SDRF, Rat Miners, and tunnel rescue experts, had been deployed to reach the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), where the workers remain trapped. He emphasized that all necessary resources were being utilized, integrating expertise, modern technology, and global rescue strategies to expedite the mission.
One of the most significant obstacles in the operation has been the accumulation of muddy water, blocking access to the TBM. To counter this, the Telangana Government has intensified dewatering efforts using advanced machinery, ensuring rapid water removal.
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy noted that alternate entry points were being examined to reduce risks and enhance rescue speed. “Our priority is ensuring the safety of the rescuers while moving forward aggressively to save the trapped workers,” he said.
Real-time monitoring of the tunnel conditions is being conducted using high-tech imaging systems. Structural stability is continuously assessed to ensure safe access for the rescue teams.
Strategic Coordination with Elite Forces
Since the incident, the Telangana Government has been coordinating closely with the Army, Navy, and other expert agencies. A special strategy meeting was held with MARCOS, BRO, the Navy, Army, Rat Miners, NDRF, and SDRF teams to fine-tune the rescue approach.
At the review meeting, senior officials, including Army Colonel Blacksmith Mehra, Lieutenant Colonel Harpal, Navy officer V.K. Prasad, Glen from Robin, Rat Miners representative Firoz Qureshi, NDRF DIG Mohsin Shahadi, and Commandant Prasanna, discussed ways to expedite the operation. The teams were instructed to incorporate global best practices in tunnel rescue missions to reach the workers in the shortest time possible.
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy highlighted that MARCOS commandos had now joined the operation, bringing expertise in extreme rescue scenarios. He expressed confidence that their involvement would significantly enhance the mission’s success. Additionally, he mentioned the possibility of engaging international tunnel rescue specialists if further technical expertise was required.
SLBC tunnel rescue operation faces severe challenges amid rising water and mud
Use of Advanced Technology in Rescue Operations
The BRO and top tunnel engineering experts from New Delhi have been brought in for technical guidance. Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that remote-controlled devices, advanced imaging systems, and precision excavation equipment were being deployed to obtain accurate assessments of tunnel conditions.
To ensure safe navigation within the tunnel, reinforced support structures have been introduced to stabilize pathways leading to the TBM. Authorities have been instructed to speed up debris removal and reinforce weakened tunnel sections to prevent secondary collapses.
For the past five days, the Telangana Government has been working tirelessly, mobilizing all available resources to rescue the trapped workers. Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy was personally monitoring the situation, ensuring that all critical agencies remained on-site until the workers were safely evacuated.
Officials also reviewed access routes leading to the workers and emphasized maintaining continuous communication with them to provide reassurance. Meanwhile, efforts are being made to supply oxygen and other essential life-support resources inside the tunnel while rescue teams work towards reaching them.
The incident took place during the construction of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, prompting the state government to centralize emergency services at the site. Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy expressed confidence that with the heightened rescue operations, deployment of elite forces, and advanced technological interventions, a breakthrough in reaching the trapped workers could happen very soon.
SLBC Tunnel Rescue In Final Stages
After a high-level review meeting at the incident site, it was assessed that the rescue will be completed within two days and that new strategies were being implemented to mitigate challenges inside the tunnel. pic.twitter.com/iFK0aGl4hA
— Uttam Kumar Reddy (@UttamINC) February 26, 2025
