SLBC Tunnel Rescue Efforts Intensify Amidst Rising Challenges

27 Feb 2025 CW Team

Rescue operations at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel have entered a critical phase, with efforts to reach the eight trapped individuals growing increasingly difficult. Since Saturday morning, multiple rescue agencies have been working relentlessly 14 km inside the tunnel, but the final 50-metre stretch—completely blocked by mud and debris from the tunnel boring machine (TBM)—poses significant risks to rescuers.

Seismological Study Sought for Safety The Telangana Government has urged the Centre to conduct a seismological study through the National Centre of Seismology to assess the extent of cracks and water saturation in the affected area. In response, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also sought a surface and sub-surface assessment from the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad, and the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

Rescue Operations Facing Hurdles Despite the deployment of nine specialised rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and various state and central agencies, no breakthrough has been achieved as of February 25, 2025. Continuous efforts to reach the disaster site have been hampered by unstable conditions inside the tunnel.

Market Outlook: Infrastructure Safety and Disaster Management The SLBC tunnel collapse highlights the urgent need for advanced geological assessments and disaster response mechanisms in large-scale infrastructure projects. With India witnessing massive tunnelling and hydroelectric projects, investments in early warning systems, remote sensing technologies, and advanced rescue equipment are expected to rise. The government may enforce stricter safety protocols for underground projects, influencing policies across the construction and infrastructure sectors.

Infrastructure Urban

02 Jun 2026

VECV Sales Rise 7.8 Per Cent In May 2026

VE Commercial Vehicles recorded sales of 7,978 units in May 2026, compared to 7,401 units in May 2025, registering growth of 7.8 per cent. This included 7,789 units from the Eicher brand and 189 units from the Volvo brand.Eicher branded trucks and buses reported sales of 7,789 units during the month, up 7.3 per cent from 7,258 units a year earlier. In the domestic commercial vehicle market, Eicher sales rose 9.1 per cent to 7,375 units from 6,758 units in May 2025.Exports declined 17.2 per cent to 414 units from 500 units in the corresponding month last year. Volvo Trucks and Volvo Buses recor..

Table Space Strengthens DESYN Leadership Team

Table Space has announced strategic leadership appointments within DESYN, its integrated Design and Build business, as it looks to strengthen operations across key enterprise and GCC markets in India. DESYN was launched as a strategic extension of Table Space’s workspace solutions portfolio to meet rising demand for agile, high-quality and rapidly deployable enterprise workspaces.Shruti Ookabhoy has joined DESYN as Executive Director and will lead the Design vertical, focusing on design capability, operational excellence and team development across markets. She brings over 22 years of experi..

Concord Associate Bags Rs 2.79 Bn Kavach Order

Concord Control Systems said its associate company, Progota India, has received a Rs 2.79 bn domestic order from Indian Railways for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of on-board Kavach 4.0 loco equipment.The order is scheduled for execution within 12 months and strengthens Concord’s role in India’s railway safety and signalling ecosystem. Kavach is India’s indigenous automatic train protection system, designed to improve operational safety by helping prevent signal passing at danger and reducing collision risks.Gaurav Lath, Joint Managing Director, Concord Control Syst..