The rescue operation at the SLBC tunnel in Nagarkurnool district has entered its final stages, with elite forces like the Indian Marine Commando Force (MARCOS) and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) joining the mission. Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that the Telangana government has escalated efforts, deploying advanced technology and national agencies to ensure the safe evacuation of eight trapped workers.
After an extensive field assessment, Uttam Kumar Reddy confirmed that a concrete action plan had been finalized, prioritizing both the safety of the rescuers and the trapped workers. He acknowledged that the operation posed significant risks, but after thorough reviews over the past two days, strategic measures had been put in place to minimize dangers and accelerate the mission.
He asserted that the rescue would be completed within two days and that multiple approaches were being explored, including alternative access routes from the side and main exit, to expedite efforts. He emphasized that every possible avenue was being considered to reach the trapped workers as quickly as possible.
At a high-level review meeting held at the incident site, Uttam Kumar Reddy, along with Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, MP Mallu Ravi, Jadcherla MLA Anirudh Reddy, Setwin Chairman Giridhar Reddy, Special Chief Secretary for Disaster Management Arvind Kumar, Nagarkurnool Collector Badavath Santosh, SP Gaikwad Raghunath, and TSSPDCL CMD Musharraf Ali, assessed the ongoing rescue operations. Senior officials from the Army, Navy, NDRF, SDRF, Rat Miners, and tunnel rescue experts participated in the discussions to formulate the next phase of interventions.
Specialized teams from 11 agencies, including MARCOS, BRO, the Navy, Army, NDRF, SDRF, and Rat Miners, have been mobilized to reach the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), where the workers remain trapped. Uttam Kumar Reddy reiterated that the government was leaving no stone unturned, deploying top experts, modern technology, and global rescue strategies to complete the mission.
A major challenge in the operation has been the accumulation of muddy water obstructing access to the TBM. To tackle this, dewatering operations have been intensified using advanced machinery to remove the water at a faster pace. Real-time monitoring of tunnel conditions is being carried out using high-tech imaging systems, and structural stability assessments are ensuring that rescue teams proceed without unnecessary risks.
Uttam Kumar Reddy confirmed that Telangana was working in close coordination with central agencies, with MARCOS and BRO now providing additional expertise. A high-level strategy meeting was also held with representatives from the Navy, Army, Rat Miners, and disaster response teams to refine the rescue approach further. Senior officials, including Army Colonel Blacksmith Mehra, Lieutenant Colonel Harpal, Navy officer V K Prasad, Glen from Robin, Rat Miners representative Firoz Qureshi, NDRF DIG Mohsin Shahadi, and Commandant Prasanna, participated in the review.
The deployment of MARCOS commandos is expected to give a significant boost to the operation, given their expertise in extreme rescue missions. Uttam Kumar Reddy also hinted at the possibility of engaging international tunnel rescue specialists if additional technical expertise is required.
BRO and tunnel engineering experts from New Delhi have been enlisted to provide guidance, while remote-controlled devices, high-tech imaging systems, and precision excavation equipment are being used to assess tunnel conditions with greater accuracy. Reinforced support structures have been introduced to stabilize the pathway leading to the TBM, ensuring safe navigation for rescuers. Officials have been instructed to accelerate debris removal and reinforce weakened sections of the tunnel to prevent secondary collapses.
The minister stated that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy was personally monitoring the situation and had directed that all critical agencies remain stationed at the site until the workers are rescued. The government has also ensured a constant line of communication with those trapped inside, keeping them reassured while oxygen and other life-support systems are being provided.
The incident occurred during the construction of the SLBC tunnel, prompting the state government to centralize all emergency services at the site. With intensified rescue efforts, deployment of elite forces, and the latest technological interventions, Uttam Kumar Reddy expressed optimism that a breakthrough in reaching the trapped workers was imminent.
