Rescue operations are underway to extract eight workers trapped in the Sri Sailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana. South Central Railway (SCR) has expedited the rescue efforts by deploying advanced equipment, including plasma cutters and broach cutting machines. Furthermore, Singareni Collieries Limited (SCCL) has deployed 200 personnel in four shifts to ensure continuous relief operations.
Railway's Entry into Rescue Operations
Responding swiftly to a request for assistance from the district administration, South Central Railway dispatched two teams of expert engineers and technicians. According to A. Shridhar, Chief Public Relations Officer of SCR, these railway teams specialize in cutting through heavy debris of iron and steel, significantly accelerating the rescue operation.
The first team is led by Divisional Mechanical Engineer S. Murli, and includes 13 welders and two technicians. A second team arrived on-site to assist with the rescue efforts during the night.
High-Tech Machines Used in Rescue
* Plasma cutter – For rapid cutting of heavy iron and steel.
* Broach cutting machine – For removing obstructions within the tunnel.
* Gas cutter – For disassembling the trapped Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) into smaller pieces.
Irrigation Minister's Assurance on Rescue Timeline
Telangana's Irrigation Minister, Uttam Kumar Reddy, has indicated that the operation is likely to be completed within the next 48 hours. He stated that the rescue teams have accelerated the removal of water from the tunnel and the clearing of debris. The Minister said, "We are working with full force. Teams from the Army, Navy, Rat Miners, and NDRF are striving to bring the people out safely without any risk."
Trapped Workers' Details
Name State Role
Manoj Kumar Uttar Pradesh Engineer
Srinivas Uttar Pradesh Engineer
Sunny Singh Jammu & Kashmir Operator
Gurpreet Singh Punjab Operator
Sandip Sahu Jharkhand Worker
Santos Sahu Jharkhand Worker
Anuj Sahu Jharkhand Worker
Jigta Exces Jharkhand Worker
Coal Mining Company's Contribution
Singareni Collieries has deployed over 200 trained personnel in four shifts. The company stated that its workers are highly skilled and proficient in using various cutting tools. A first-aid team is also deployed as part of the rescue operation to provide immediate medical assistance to the trapped individuals if needed.
Next Steps
* The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) will be cut and removed.
* After debris removal, teams will enter the tunnel.
* Army and NDRF teams will access the trapped workers.
* Oxygen support and medical assistance are prepared for the safe extraction of the trapped workers.
