Hydraulic sludge robot deployed to cut stones, move through debris in Telangana SLBC tunnel on 19th day of rescue work

Hydraulic sludge robot deployed in SLBC tunnel collapse rescue operation, to aid in silt removal and stone cutting.

A hydraulic autonomous sludge robot was brought to the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel site, a portion of which collapsed on February 22, to expedite silt removal and cut stones inside the debris on Wednesday ( March 12, 2025) - the 19th day of the rescue operation by multiple agencies.

This is in addition to one robot unit which has already been deployed. Official sources monitoring the rescue operation to trace the missing seven personnel said the hydraulic sludge robot would be taken inside the tunnel to the site of the mishap. “It should be operational by this evening. It has the capacity for not only silt removal, but also for cutting stones and moving ahead through the debris. This will be monitored remotely,” sources said.

It was pointed out that the communication system for controlling the robots is being set up to get the live feed to the main control unit - established at the pit base camp. The master robot kept at the control unit could be used for visualising the progress inside the tunnel, source said.

Other works are progressing including cutting the second tier-two level iron platform of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) after the top tier-three was cleared. “This will pave way for getting down to tier-one level and the basement at the bottom of the tunnel. Two ultra thermic cutters are being used for this purpose,” sources said. Officials noted that silt at few points became harder as the water was pumped and excavators were used to put it directly on the conveyor belt.

It may be mentioned that the Singareni Collieries Company Limited procured timber from its store and the third cognac was constructed yesterday towards the end of the tunnel. “This will ensure safety against any blocks falling from the top,” sources said.

The Human Remains Detection Dogs (HRDD) had gone inside the tunnel yesterday and based on their indications, digging has been taken up to at two places for a depth of 12 feet.

Close to 500 workers are engaged inside the tunnel in three-shift basis.