A ₹4 Crore allocation has been made for deploying robotic technology in the rescue operation. The robots are expected to improve precision and enhance safety for the personnel involved in this delicate task
Published Mar 09, 2025 | 3:25 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 09, 2025 | 3:25 PM
SLBC tunnel collapse. (Supplied)
Synopsis: As of 9 March, rescue teams inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) Tunnel near Domalapenta, Nagarkurnool district, have identified promising signs of the trapped workers’ location. Having advanced 13.95 kilometers, the final stretch remains perilous due to unstable conditions, including oxygen shortages, water seepage, and the risk of tunnel collapse from the tunnel boring machine (TBM)
As of 9 March, rescue teams working inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) Tunnel near Domalapenta, Nagarkurnool district, have discovered promising signs indicating the potential location of three trapped workers, raising hopes for a breakthrough in the operation.
Teams have advanced nearly 13.95 kilometers into the 14-km-long tunnel, with the final stretch proving highly challenging due to unstable conditions.
The last 50 meters of the tunnel remain perilous, posing several risks, including oxygen shortages, excessive water seepage, and the collapse of metal fragments from the tunnel boring machine (TBM).
To overcome these dangers, robotic technology has been deployed to accelerate the rescue efforts. The robots are equipped with high-resolution cameras, infrared sensors, and robotic arms to assess conditions and assist in the safe extraction of the trapped workers.
A major step in this operation is the immediate allocation of ₹4 Crore for the deployment of robotic technology. The use of robots is expected to enhance precision and improve safety for the personnel involved in the delicate operation.
A total of 525 personnel, including 11 national-level rescue teams, were engaged in the operation on 8 March. The operations are also supported by various agencies, including the Military, NDRF, SDRF, Singareni Collieries, Railways, NGRI, and HYDRAA, in close collaboration with local authorities.
The compressed air system (CPS) is operational, and the conveyor belt, which had collapsed during the accident, has been restored—although the final 100-meter stretch remains non-operational.
Further updates are expected during a high-level review meeting on 11 March, scheduled to be led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad.
The meeting will discuss the progress of the ongoing rescue operations and outline the next steps to ensure the safe recovery of the trapped workers.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Saicharan Sana)
