SLBC tunnel work advances beyond problematic stretch, set to gain pace
Uttam Kumar Reddy says over 700 metres excavated since restart of work earlier this year
The excavation of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel has progressed beyond the critical geological obstacle where the tunnel collapse claimed eight lives in February last year. This breakthrough now allows for the deployment of additional equipment and improved operational efficiency while maintaining stringent safety standards.
Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy announced this progress at a meeting on Sunday, where he assessed the project's advancement with engineers, involved agencies, and elected representatives of the benefiting areas. Urge for enhanced measures, Reddy sought a tightly monitored programme to meet the June 2028 target. Over 700 metres of the tunnel has been excavated since the resumption in February, with further equipment deployment planned to accelerate operations.
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