SLBC tunnel work advances beyond problematic stretch, set to gain pace
Construction on the Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel has resumed after overcoming a dangerous geological shear zone that previously caused a fatal collapse. Officials are now accelerating efforts to meet a June 2028 completion target for the water-delivery project.
Why it matters
The project is critical for regional irrigation and water supply, and its progress highlights the challenges of large-scale infrastructure development in difficult terrain.
The excavation of Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel has moved beyond the major geological hurdle, the stretch where the tunnel caved in claiming the lives of eight engineers, technicians and workers in February last year, paving the way for deployment of additional equipment and improved operational efficiency while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
The decisive breakthrough in the execution of the SLBC tunnel is now expected to gain pace towards the government target of completing it by June 2028, Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said at a meeting here on Sunday, where he reviewed the project progress with the engineers, agencies involved in the execution and elected representatives of the areas to be benefited from the project.
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