Archive · 3 Nov 2025
Revanth Reddy to Launch Survey for SLBC Tunnel After Tragedy
A big tunnel project in Telangana called the SLBC tunnel had a serious accident where 8 people died.
To make sure this doesn't happen again, the Chief Minister is starting a special aerial survey today.
This survey uses a helicopter with special equipment to look deep underground, like a superhero's x-ray vision.
It will help scientists understand the ground better, finding things like hidden water or weak spots.
This information will help experts decide the safest way to finish building the tunnel.
They want to finish it by 2028 without spending more money than planned.
The tunnel is very important because it will bring water to farms and towns that need it, saving a lot of money on power bills later.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will inaugurate an aerial electromagnetic survey for the SLBC tunnel.
The survey aims to map underground geological features to ensure safe tunnelling after a deadly accident on February 22.
A technical committee recommended advanced tunnelling methods, including potentially abandoning boring for blasting.
The Telangana Cabinet approved new methodologies to complete the tunnel by mid-2028 within budget.
The 43.93 km SLBC tunnel will provide water for irrigation and drinking to Nalgonda district.
- Who
- Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy
- What
- Inaugurating an aerial electromagnetic survey for the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel
- When
- Monday
- Where
- Mannevaripalli
- Why
- To enhance safety and guide future tunnelling methods after a deadly accident on February 22.
Original Tunnelling Method
Recommended Advanced Methods
Methodology
Original Tunnelling Method
Previous plans involved tunnel boring.
Recommended Advanced Methods
Experts suggest abandoning boring for blasting and using observational techniques and scientific monitoring.
Safety Measures
Original Tunnelling Method
Existing safety protocols were insufficient, leading to the February 22 tragedy.
Recommended Advanced Methods
Advanced methods and strengthened oversight with expert advisors are being implemented to enhance safety.
- Project Name
- Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) Tunnel
- Length
- 43.93 km
- Purpose
- Irrigate 3 lakh acres in Nalgonda district, supply drinking water
- Current Status
- 9.8 km remaining to be dug
- Recent Tragedy
- 8 lives lost on February 22
- Survey Type
- Aerial Electromagnetic Survey (VTEM plus magnetic geophysical survey)
- Survey Purpose
- Map ground features, identify fault zones and underground water bodies for safe tunnelling