Hyderabad: Work on the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel is set to restart with a focus on safety, as Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy urged officials to prioritize precautions.
In a meeting, the Minister emphasized the project must align with the updated plan and budget, aiming to complete 175 meters of tunneling monthly, with an end goal of January 2028. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will review the SLBC tunnel project on Thursday.
High-ranking officials, contractors, experts, and new Government Advisor Lt Gen Harpal Singh attended to discuss geology, restoration, and safety measures.
Officials noted 35 km of the 44 km tunnel is finished, leaving 9 km under new protocols.
The Government chose a heli-borne survey by the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) to detect weak spots and fault lines, aiding engineers in risk management.
The Minister urged prompt finalization of survey timelines, stressing the need for clear documentation of methods and monitoring systems. “Preparedness is crucial,” said Uttam Kumar Reddy.
A technical sub-committee suggested modern machinery for the remaining tunnel.
Lt Gen Harpal Singh, referencing his work on the Atal Tunnel, highlighted the importance of ventilation and training young engineers in Telangana.
Officials confirmed tunneling has reached 21 km from one side and 14 km from the other, with intense oversight needed for the rest. Work will proceed in three shifts due to the 90-minute travel time to the site.
Junior engineers will track daily progress, and a team will be formed to gain expertise in tunnel construction. Third-party quality checks will ensure each shift’s work is documented.
