Telangana Revives Major Irrigation Tunnel Project After Seven-Year Stagnation
In a significant development for Telangana's water infrastructure, the state government has successfully resumed tunneling operations on the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project, marking the end of a prolonged seven-year hiatus. Officials have reported that approximately 20 meters of drilling has been completed from the Devarkonda side, where work had been completely stalled since 2017.
Minister Directs Enhanced Safety and Accelerated Timeline
Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy has issued strict directives to project officials, emphasizing that safety measures remain the absolute priority alongside adherence to revised construction schedules. During a comprehensive review meeting held at the secretariat on Saturday, the minister instructed officials to implement round-the-clock work operations under stringent safety protocols.
The renewed push follows a strategic shift in construction methodology. Previously planned tunnel boring machine (TBM) techniques were deemed unsuitable due to complex geological challenges. The project has now adopted safer, observation-based techniques that allow for real-time monitoring and adjustments during excavation.
Technical Advancements and Progress Details
The irrigation department has successfully completed seven excavation cycles from the Devarkonda outlet side using advanced tunneling methods. These operations are being closely monitored through observational techniques that ensure safety via:
- Precise drilling protocols with controlled blasting
- Installation of additional structural supports
- Continuous geological assessment during excavation
Minister Reddy confirmed that men and materials have been mobilized to the site on a large scale. The implementation agency has deployed specialized equipment to address anticipated ventilation challenges deep inside the tunnel, which is expected to significantly accelerate the pace of excavation.
Project Scope and Future Plans
The 44-kilometer SLBC tunnel represents a critical component of Telangana's irrigation infrastructure, designed to:
- Irrigate drought-prone agricultural areas in Nalgonda district
- Provide drinking water to fluoride-affected regions
- Benefit over three lakh acres of farmland
- Augment drinking water sources across multiple communities
Construction is progressing from both ends simultaneously—the inlet at Srisailam/Domalpenta and the outlet at Devarkonda. Work from the inlet side will commence shortly, with preparations including a 20-meter open cut excavation and additional safety installations already underway.
Overcoming Past Challenges
The project's progress had been severely hampered by a tragic incident on February 22, 2025, when a roof collapse near the inlet-side end resulted in operations being completely halted. This event prompted a comprehensive safety review and methodology reassessment.
To ensure continuous progress monitoring, the government has established a dedicated division specifically tasked with overseeing the SLBC tunnel project. The agency is currently importing specialized electrical and ventilation equipment to further enhance operational efficiency, with full-scale operations expected to ramp up within the next fortnight.
Completion Timeline and Strategic Importance
Project officials have set an ambitious target of achieving tunnel breakthrough by the end of 2027, with full commissioning scheduled for June 2028. This timeline represents a significant acceleration compared to previous projections, made possible by the renewed governmental focus and revised construction approaches.
The SLBC tunnel project stands as a testament to Telangana's commitment to addressing water scarcity challenges through innovative engineering solutions. Once completed, it will transform agricultural prospects in some of the state's most vulnerable regions while providing critical drinking water resources to communities affected by fluoride contamination.
