Railways deploy plasma cutters in SLBC tunnel rescue mission

Plasma cutting, a highly efficient and precise process that utilizes a high-velocity jet of ionized gas (plasma) proved to be effective.

Hyderabad: With their expertise in cutting heavy metals, the South Central Railway has brought in essential equipment – plasma cutters and Broco cutting machines speeding up the operations especially the removal of the mangled remains of the tunnel boring machine (TBM).

Plasma cutting, a highly efficient and precise process that utilizes a high-velocity jet of ionized gas (plasma) proved to be effective.

The plasma cutters have been instrumental in enabling rescue teams to clear the steel and iron debris that have been obstructing their efforts. The collaborative efforts of over a dozen national and state agencies, now bolstered by the SCR’s specialized equipment and expertise, continue to be closely monitored by state officials.

The Singareni (SCCL) rescue teams that are also part of the mission, have also been engaged in cutting parts of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) from the other end.

Around 70 personnel from the SCCL are on the job. They have also joined the effort to restore the conveyor which is the sole system helping in shifting of the rubble and debris being lifted from the tunnel.

Source informed that as the debris lifting exercise gained momentum the volume of seepage at the cave- in site is in the increase. The water is being drained using the heavy pumping machines.

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