SLBC tunnel crosses dangerous ‘shear zone’ in major breakthrough
The Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel project in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district has achieved a crucial breakthrough, with engineers successfully negotiating one of the most dangerous geological formations in the Nallamala forests along the revised alignment, officials familiar with the matter said
The Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel project in Telangana's Nagarkurnool district has successfully navigated a treacherous geological formation, marking a major breakthrough. This achievement comes more than a year after a fatal tunnel collapse in February 2025 that claimed eight lives. The newly crossed area, a shear zone, presented significant challenges due to unstable rock conditions and high geological risks.
Stretching about 10-15 metres, the shear zone required a month to cross safely. The ₹4,600 crore tunnel project aims to transfer water from the Srisailam reservoir to irrigate 400,000 acres and provide drinking water to 516 villages. Work on the 44-km main tunnel has completed 20.5 km from the Devarakonda end and 14 km from the Domalapenta inlet end.
Two tunnel boring machines were used from opposite sides. The project, postponed due to the 2025 accident, now seeks completion by May 2028. Engineers identified four more danger zones and are employing a cautious approach, monitoring the excavation closely with sensors.
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