Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Kerala Engineers Lauded for Risky Inspection Inside Idukki Power Tunnel
Imagine a giant water slide for electricity, that's kind of like the Idukki power tunnel!
Recently, a team of brave engineers had to go inside this big tunnel to make sure it was still safe.
They shut off the water and walked a long way in the dark, enclosed space.
It was tricky because the air isn't great in there, and they needed special radios to talk to each other.
The minister said they were very courageous for doing this important job.
This power tunnel is part of a big project that helps power Kerala, and keeping it safe is super important for everyone.
A team of Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) engineers performed a risky inspection inside the Idukki hydroelectric project's main pressure tunnel.
The inspection involved walking approximately 1.5 kilometers inside the tunnel, which had its water completely drained.
Special precautions, including ham radio support for communication, were taken due to the confined space and low oxygen levels.
The inspection was led by Executive Engineer Saina S and was part of the project's maintenance shutdown.
Kerala Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty praised the engineers' courage and the inspection's importance for the state's energy infrastructure.
- Who
- A team of engineers from the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), led by Executive Engineer Saina S.
- What
- Conducted a daring inspection inside the main pressure tunnel of the Idukki hydroelectric project to assess its structural safety.
- When
- Friday (specific date not mentioned, but implied as recent to the report date of Nov 14).
- Where
- The main pressure tunnel of the Idukki hydroelectric project in Kerala.
- Why
- To assess the structural safety of the tunnel during a maintenance shutdown.
- Project
- Idukki Hydroelectric Project
- Tunnel Width
- 7.01 meters
- Tunnel Length Inspected
- 1.5 kilometers
- Project Inauguration
- 1976
- Installed Capacity
- 780 MW
- Powerhouse Location
- Underground