Telangana Tunnel Collapse: NDRF, Army, Navy Join Forces to Rescue Workers Trapped for Over 48 Hours

Rescue efforts have been intensified to free the eight workers who have been trapped for over 48 hours in a collapsed tunnel in Telangana. The workers were inside the tunnel behind the Srisailam dam when it collapsed on Saturday morning. While most of the workers managed to escape, eight remain trapped, and there has been no contact with them since the incident. However, the mission has become increasingly challenging due to the accumulation of water and muck inside the tunnel.

Rescue operations have engaged several agencies, including the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and state rescue teams. Navy commandos have also arrived to lend their expertise. Notably, six members of the successful 2023 Silkyara tunnel rescue team in Uttarakhand have joined the efforts in Telangana, offering valuable experience to the mission.

The 44-km-long tunnel in Nagarkurnool collapsed while workers were repairing a leak. Four of the trapped workers are laborers, while the other four are employees of the construction company. The tunnel collapse occurred at least 13 km from the mouth of the tunnel. Rescuers have now reached the final 100 meters, but progress is being hindered by the high accumulation of water and muck inside the tunnel. "The muck is too high, making it difficult to move," said Minister Krishna Rao. Rescuers are using rubber tubes and wooden planks to navigate through the debris.

Compounding the difficulties, there are reports of cracks in the tunnel’s walls, with water gushing out, highlighting the need for dewatering efforts. Another concern is the shifting of boulders inside the collapsed portion, indicating that the roof is unstable and further collapse could occur at any moment. These risks are being closely monitored by officials.
Telangana's Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy, is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with officials to address the challenges in the rescue operation. He has called for additional resources to drain water from the tunnel and provide the trapped workers with oxygen.

Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, has also reached out to the Chief Minister to inquire about the progress of the operation. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered his full support and assured that assistance will be provided to aid the rescue operation.​