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.

Resources

13 May 2026

Anant Raj Appoints Anish Sarin as Director

Anant Raj has appointed Anish Sarin as Director on its Board, marking a key step in the company’s leadership transition and long-term growth strategy. The announcement was made during the company’s Q4 and FY26 results declaration, reflecting the induction of next-generation leadership as the company expands across real estate, cloud infrastructure and data centre businesses. Anish Sarin, grandson of veteran industrialist Ashok Sarin, represents the emerging leadership at Anant Raj. Educated at Regent’s University London, he brings a global business outlook along with a strong focus on t..

Vedanta eyes AI-led value growth

Vedanta Group expects to unlock USD 300–400 million in additional value over the next three years through large-scale deployment of AI-led industrial technologies across its businesses. The group said its V-Spark DeepTech Ventures platform has already delivered nearly four times return on investment since inception.Vedanta is scaling AI, predictive analytics, Industrial Internet of Things, digital twins, machine learning, automation and connected manufacturing technologies across its metals, mining, energy and industrial operations. These deployments are aimed at improving productivity, lowe..

Hindustan Zinc inks pact with Group Nirmal

Hindustan Zinc has signed an MoU with Group Nirmal to set up a zinc wire manufacturing facility at its Zinc Industrial Park in Khankhala, Bhilwara district, Rajasthan. The partnership will expand downstream manufacturing activity and support value-added zinc applications in India.Under the agreement, Group Nirmal will manufacture zinc wire products using Hindustan Zinc’s Special High Grade zinc. The products will cater to infrastructure, renewable energy, automotive and industrial engineering sectors.Zinc wire is used in thermal spray coating and metallising processes to protect steel struct..