Hyderabad: In a major breakthrough in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel project, excavation has moved beyond a major geological challenge, paving the way for additional equipment deployment and improved operational efficiency while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
Uttam pressed for the deployment of additional equipment, improved excavation cycles and close safety monitoring, and sought a credible, closely monitored programme to achieve the June 2028 water-delivery goal.
The project team reported an advancement of about 700 metres over the preceding five to six months, comprising approximately 450 metres from the outlet and 250 metres from the inlet. To negotiate the unstable stretch, the team installed 140-mm seamless pipes to form an umbrella canopy, providing protective support ahead of excavation. The diversion around the point where the tunnel-boring machine had become stuck had taken the working face through particularly poor geological conditions.