Telangana to Resume SLBC Tunnel Project with Advanced Safety Technology

The Telangana government has decided to resume work on the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel project, nearly a year after construction was halted following a tragic tunnel roof collapse in February last year. The decision marks a crucial step in reviving one of the state’s most ambitious water infrastructure projects, aimed at addressing long-standing irrigation and drinking water needs.

The incident occurred in Nagarkurnool district along the Krishna river, leading to extensive debris accumulation and the removal of heavy machinery, including the Tunnel Boring Machine. Since then, the project site has remained inactive as technical assessments and safety reviews were carried out. State officials have now confirmed that preparations are underway to restart work, with machinery gradually being moved back to the site.

A review meeting chaired by State Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy paved the way for the project’s revival. Based on expert recommendations, the government has decided to abandon the Tunnel Boring Machine method, which was found unsuitable for the geological conditions encountered during earlier construction. Instead, the tunnel will be executed using advanced construction techniques supported by modern safety systems.

One of the key changes in the revised approach is the introduction of a 3D monitoring system. This technology will enable real-time tracking of structural stability and ground movement, significantly improving worker safety and reducing the risk of future incidents. Officials said the new methodology is designed to enhance both precision and durability over the long term.

Spanning a total length of 42 km, the SLBC tunnel is expected to play a transformative role once completed. The project is designed to support agricultural activity across a vast region while also addressing drinking water requirements in fluoride-affected villages. With an estimated cost of around Rs 4,600 crore, the tunnel is expected to become the world’s longest irrigation tunnel upon completion.

The resumption of the SLBC project reflects the Telangana government’s renewed focus on large-scale water infrastructure as a foundation for sustainable development. Once operational, the tunnel is expected to provide lasting benefits to farmers and rural communities, reinforcing the state’s long-term water security strategy.