5 hrs ago
Telangana Plans Three Army Engineers for SLBC, Kaleshwaram Works
Telangana wants three experienced Army engineers to help with important water projects.
One project is the Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel.
The other project involves repairing three Kaleshwaram barrages.
The Army offered three officers for the state government to choose from.
Telangana may ask to take all three officers on deputation.
One officer would supervise work at two tunnel construction areas.
The other two would help repair the three barrages.
About 35 of the tunnel’s planned 44 kilometres are finished, and the target for the rest is June 2028.
Eight employees died when part of the tunnel roof collapsed in February 2025.
The Telangana government is considering deputing three Army Corps of Engineers officers to major irrigation projects.
The officers offered are Lt Col Satyadev Singh, Lt Col Ranjit A Menon and Lt Col H V Bhalla.
One officer would supervise two SLBC tunnel excavation fronts, while two would support repairs to three Kaleshwaram barrages.
About 35 km of the approximately 44-km SLBC tunnel is complete, with the remaining work targeted for June 2028.
Investigations into the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages are nearing completion after damage and a February 2025 tunnel collapse that killed eight employees.
- Who
- The Telangana government, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, the Indian Army and three offered Army engineers.
- What
- Telangana is considering deputing three Army engineers for the SLBC tunnel and repairs to three Kaleshwaram barrages.
- Where
- The projects are in Telangana, including the SLBC tunnel and the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages; the meeting took place in New Delhi.
- When
- The minister’s meeting with the Army Chief occurred recently; the report was issued on September 29, and tunnel completion is targeted for June 2028.
- Why
- The state wants additional technical expertise, supervision and accountability for complex tunnel construction and barrage rehabilitation work.
Key facts
- Army officers offered
- Lt Col Satyadev Singh, Lt Col Ranjit A Menon and Lt Col H V Bhalla
- SLBC progress
- About 35 km of the approximately 44-km tunnel is complete
- Completion target
- June 2028
- Deployment plan
- One officer would supervise two tunnel excavation fronts; two would support barrage rehabilitation
- Barrage projects
- Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla
- Investigations
- National Dam Safety Authority-recommended soil, concrete and foundation tests are nearing completion
- Fatal collapse
- Eight employees died after part of the SLBC tunnel roof collapsed in February 2025
- Previous deputation
- Col Parikshit Mehra has served with the Telangana government for about two years
Quotes
N. Uttam Kumar Reddy
Telangana irrigation minister
“As a former military officer, I have the highest regard for the professional standards, knowledge, integrity, discipline and problem-solving abilities of Armed Forces personnel. Military officers are trained to perform in difficult terrain, disaster situations and highly challenging operational environments. They combine technical competence with leadership, accountability and a mission-oriented approach.”
theprint.in
“Our experience with Col Parikshit Mehra has been extraordinary. His contribution has reinforced our belief that experienced military engineers can add tremendous value to technically complicated infrastructure projects. In light of that experience, we requested the Army Chief to depute more officers. I am grateful that General Dhiraj Seth and Army Headquarters responded so positively and promptly.”
theprint.in
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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