SLBC tunnel excavation resumes, breakthrough targeted by mid-2027: Uttam

Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy said work on the SLBC tunnel project has resumed, with excavation progressing at the Devarkonda end. He reviewed the project and said full operations will pick up soon, with completion targeted by 2028

Hyderabad: Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Saturday said work on the SLBC tunnel project had resumed, with about 20 metres excavated from the Devarkonda end over the past week.

The Minister held a review meeting with senior Irrigation department officials at the Secretariat here on Saturday, during which mobilisation of manpower and equipment, and tentative completion timelines for both Tunnel-1 and Tunnel-2, were discussed.

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He said seven excavation cycles had been successfully completed from the Devarkonda end, which is the outlet side. The works, involving advanced tunnelling methods, were being closely monitored using observation techniques to ensure safety through precise drilling protocols and installation of additional supports. Work from the inlet end would commence soon, with preparations including a 20-metre open cut and additional safety installations already underway. The agency was importing electrical and ventilation equipment to improve efficiency, and full-scale operations were likely to pick up within a fortnight, he said.

The 44-km SLBC tunnel is being constructed from both ends, with the inlet at Srisailam, Domalpenta and the outlet at Devarkonda. Progress had stalled following a tragic roof collapse on February 22, 2025, near the inlet side, which halted operations. Now, the breakthrough is targeted for the middle of next year, 2027, with full commissioning expected by June 2028, the Minister said.