Telangana Tunnel Collapse: A Battle Against Time and Terrain

The Telangana tunnel collapse at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel on February 22, 2025, has triggered one of the most complex and dangerous rescue operations in recent history. The collapse, caused by a failed concrete segment, led to massive landslides, water ingress, and unstable geological conditions—all of which have severely hindered excavation efforts.

Rescue teams, consisting of geotechnical experts, disaster response units, and specialized rat miners, have been battling against extreme conditions to locate the eight trapped workers. The biggest obstacle has been the 3,200 liters of water per minute seeping into the tunnel, creating a thick sludge that restricts movement and excavation. Despite continuous dewatering efforts, access remains a major challenge.

After days of limited progress, authorities revived the tunnel’s conveyor belt system, enabling the removal of 800 tonnes of debris per hour—a major breakthrough. In addition, the deployment of robotic assistance marked a turning point in the operation. Hydraulic-powered robots, brought in from Hyderabad’s Anvi Robotics, are being used to pump out thick sludge and navigate hazardous areas that are unsafe for human rescuers.

To further expedite the search, teams employed ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and Human Remains Detection Dogs (HRDD) to pinpoint potential locations of the trapped workers. Simultaneously, liquid ring vacuum pumps with a capacity of 620 cubic meters per hour have been installed to clear debris faster. These advanced methods have helped navigate through the final 50 meters of the collapsed tunnel, a zone deemed too dangerous for direct human intervention.

The SLBC tunnel collapse serves as a stark reminder of the risks in underground engineering. Moving forward, experts are emphasizing the need for:

While the rescue teams remain hopeful of locating the missing workers, this tragedy underscores the vital role of geotechnical expertise in ensuring underground infrastructure is built to withstand the unpredictable forces of nature.

More information can be found in the following video.