Telangana: Debris removal and TBM machine cutting underway in SLBC tunnel

As part of the rescue efforts, de-watering is ongoing while the extracted mud is being transported out through a loco train.

Hyderabad: The extensive operation to clear accumulated debris from the SLBC tunnel has commenced. As part of the rescue efforts, de-watering is ongoing while the extracted mud is being transported out through a loco train. The crucial task of removing the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) has also begun.

The main obstruction for rescue operations is the TBM machine and it remained untouched for the last four days. The TMB is being cut into smaller pieces and removed. This intricate process involved dismantling of the machine that was already left damaged in the impact of the cave-in. It is being cut into sections.  The rescue teams are engaged in relocating these parts out of the tunnel.

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District Collector Santosh and SP Vaibhav Gaikwad of Nagarkurnool are supervising the operations. The focus of the operations on Thursday is mainly on clearing mud up to a distance of two kilometers from the tunnel entrance.

A senior official indicated that this step was necessary to enable the continuation of the rescue operations. Once the mud and TBM removal is completed, authorities will evaluate the situation and formulate a plan to rescue those trapped inside the tunnel.