Hyderabad: Rescuers are in a race against time to save eight workers trapped for over 48 hours inside a collapsed tunnel in Telangana. A state minister has warned that their chances of survival are grim, as debris and rising water levels continue to obstruct the rescue operation.
The 44-km-long tunnel near the Srisailam dam in Nagarkurnool caved in on Saturday morning while workers were repairing a leak. While most managed to escape, eight remain trapped and have been out of contact since.
Among them, four are laborers, and four are employees of the construction company, according to state minister Krishna Rao, who is overseeing the rescue efforts.
The Army, National Disaster Response Force, and state agencies are actively leading the rescue operation, with Navy commandos now joining the mission. Additionally, six members of the team that carried out the heroic 2023 Silkyara tunnel rescue in Uttarakhand have stepped in to assist.
The collapse took place about 13 km from the tunnel’s entrance, with rescuers now closing in on the final 100 meters. However, water and debris are severely hampering the operation, the minister said.
“The muck inside has piled up so high that walking is impossible. Rescuers are using rubber tubes and wooden planks to navigate. The chances of survival are bleak, but we remain hopeful and are leaving no stone unturned,” said Minister Krishna Rao.
Rescuers have raised concerns about the need for additional equipment as they battle challenging conditions to reach the trapped workers. A report yesterday highlighted cracks in the tunnel walls, with water gushing in, necessitating urgent dewatering.
Another major concern is the shifting boulders, indicating that the collapsed section’s roof remains unstable.
The situation is being closely monitored at both central and state levels.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, whose Congress party governs Telangana, spoke to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy yesterday to check on the rescue efforts, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured full support.
According to Mr. Reddy’s office, he has been continuously reviewing the situation and receiving updates from senior officials. Acknowledging the challenges, he has directed authorities to drain water from the tunnel and ensure oxygen supply. Rescuers are actively clearing debris and exploring alternative routes to reach the collapse site, the Chief Minister’s Office said.
