Telangana tunnel: Final phase of debris removal explained using model of tunnel boring machine

Colonel Parikshit Mehra explains the final phase of debris removal at Telangana tunnel as part of the rescue operation

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) tunnel expert Colonel Parikshit Mehra, providing a detailed update on the progress in the rescue operation at Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel at Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district, emphasised that significant strides had been made in clearing debris and stabilising the site on Wednesday (March 5, 2025). Using a model of the tunnel boring machine (TBM), he explained that the final phase of debris removal was underway, and multiple teams were working continuously to expedite the process.

Latest updates on rescue work at Telangana tunnel Day 12 (March 5, 2025)

There seems to be no end in sight to the agonising wait for family members of the eight persons trapped under the debris about 14 km inside the tunnel from February 22 morning, as the debris and mud removal work to trace those trapped is stretching on, despite the conveyor belt becoming functional on Tuesday (March 4, 2025) evening. 

Efforts to clear the mud from the left side of the tunnel boring machine using water jets are being carried out intensively, with active involvement of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams. Representatives from the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) in Delhi, and NV Robotics from Hyderabad too entered the tunnel to provide robotic assistance at the accident site. A demonstration was given to officials on how water jets were being used to clear accumulated mud on the TBM, and the restoration of the conveyor belt system was reported to be nearing completion.

A high-level review meeting was held on Wednesday, on the 12th day of the operation, to assess these ongoing relief and rescue operations. Special Chief Secretary for Disaster Management Arvind Kumar and Nagarkurnool District Collector Badavath Santhosh led the meeting, which was attended by senior officials and experts involved in the mission. Officials noted that challenges in the rescue process have been systematically addressed, allowing for accelerated progress.

In addition to clearing physical obstacles, ventilation and lighting systems inside the tunnel have been extended to facilitate smoother rescue operations.

Fire Services Director General Y Nagi Reddy, TGSPDCL CMD Musharraf Ali, experts from Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) Mines Rescue, SDRF representatives, South Central Railway (SCR) plasma cutters team, RAT Miners, Geological Survey of India (GSI) directors from Lucknow and Hyderabad, and others attended the meeting.