5 days ago

SLBC Tunnel Advances Toward May 2028 Completion Deadline

The SLBC tunnel is being built in Telangana through difficult hills.

A tunnel collapse in February 2025 stopped work and buried some machines.

Engineers reviewed the project and changed how they build the tunnel.

They now use controlled drilling, blasting and strong supports to protect the workers.

The dangerous area near the inlet has been crossed using a new tunnel route.

Workers have already dug hundreds of meters from both ends.

New machines should help them dig faster.

Officials believe the tunnel can be finished by May 2028.

If completed, it will be the longest tunnel in India built from only two entrances.

Key facts

Target completion: May 2028
February 2025 incident: A tunnel collapse buried tunnel boring machines at the inlet side.
Outlet-side progress: More than 350 meters of tunnel has been driven from Devarkonda.
Inlet-side progress: About 150 meters has been driven from the realigned Domalapenta path.
Construction method: Drill and blast, supported by observational techniques, rock bolts, shotcrete and steel girders.
New equipment: One three-arm boomer is operating at the outlet, and a second is expected at the inlet within a month.
Projected distinction: Once completed, the tunnel is expected to be the longest in India built from two portals.

thehansindia.com · 5 days ago