SLBC Tunnel Rescue Efforts Intensify Amidst Rising Challenges
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

SLBC Tunnel Rescue Efforts Intensify Amidst Rising Challenges

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.

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.

Next Story
Equipment

Handling concrete better

Efficiently handling the transportation and placement of concrete is essential to help maintain the quality of construction, meet project timelines by minimising downtimes, and reduce costs – by 5 to 15 per cent, according to Sandeep Jain, Director, Arkade Developers. CW explores what the efficient handling of concrete entails.Select wellFirst, a word on choosing the right equipment, such as a mixer with a capacity aligned to the volume required onsite, from Vaibhav Kulkarni, Concrete Expert. “An overly large mixer will increase the idle time (and cost), while one that ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Elevated floors!

Raised access flooring, also called false flooring, is a less common interiors feature than false ceilings, but it has as many uses – if not more.A raised floor is a modular panel installed above the structural floor. The space beneath the raised flooring is typically used to accommodate utilities such as electrical cables, plumbing and HVAC systems. And so, raised flooring is usually associated with buildings with heavy cabling and precise air distribution needs, such as data centres.That said, CW interacted with designers and architects and discovered that false flooring can come in handy ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

The Variation Challenge

A variation or change in scope clause is defined in construction contracts to take care of situations arising from change in the defined scope of work. Such changes may arise due to factors such as additions or deletions in the scope of work, modifications in the type, grade or specifications of materials, alterations in specifications or drawings, and acts or omissions of other contractors. Further, ineffective planning, inadequate investigations or surveys and requests from the employer or those within the project’s area of influence can contribute to changes in the scope of work. Ext..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?