Archive · 28 Aug 2026
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.
Telangana officials say the SLBC tunnel could be completed by May 2028.
Work resumed after a February 2025 collapse buried tunnel boring machines.
Engineers replaced TBMs with drill-and-blast construction and immediate ground support.
More than 350 meters has been excavated from the outlet and about 150 meters from the inlet.
Three-arm boomers are being introduced to increase construction speed and safety.
- Who
- The Telangana Irrigation Department, engineers and workers under Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy.
- What
- Construction of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel has resumed and is advancing under a revised method.
- When
- Work resumed after the February 2025 collapse, with completion targeted for May 2028.
- Where
- The tunnel is being built through the Nallamala hills between the Domalapenta inlet and Devarkonda outlet.
- Why
- The construction method and alignment were changed to improve safety and overcome difficult geology.
- 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.