Nagarkurnool District Collector B Santosh confirmed on Monday that two rescue teams from the Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are using specialized machinery to cover the final 40 meters needed to reach workers feared trapped after a tunnel roof collapse on Saturday. According to Santosh, earlier efforts had fallen short of reaching the last 40 meters, but with the assistance of heavy machinery, the teams are now poised to access the area. He explained that dewatering is underway and excavators will be deployed inside the tunnel to clear the path for rescuers.Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, who is closely overseeing the rescue operations, expressed grave concern regarding the eight people trapped inside the tunnel. He noted that the chances of survival are very remote, yet he stressed that every possible measure is being taken to attempt a rescue. “I can’t predict the chances of survival, but the chances are not very good ... Even if there is the slightest chance, we will try to save them,” he said. The trapped group is believed to include four labourers, two company employees, and two international employees. In a determined effort to leave no stone unturned, a team of rat miners—who previously rescued construction workers from a similar tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand in 2023—has also joined the operation.
 

Authorities have reported that seepage continues at the site, though all necessary precautions are being taken to prevent further damage. Achampet MLA Vamsi Krishna, present at the scene, mentioned that the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) will be cut to remove the slush accumulation that has hampered rescue efforts so far. He added that a micro-camera is scheduled to be sent into the tunnel to inspect areas that had been inaccessible earlier due to heavy slush. The camera’s role is critical as it will help pinpoint the exact location of the trapped workers, thereby enabling the rescue teams to strategize their next steps more effectively.According to reports from news agency ANI, Larsen & Toubro is deploying an endoscopic camera to monitor the tunnel’s interior. The operator noted that both endoscopic and robotic cameras, similar to those used in the Uttarakhand rescue, have been brought to the site. These advanced camera systems are expected to provide real-time visuals from inside the debris-filled and waterlogged sections of the tunnel, where earlier attempts to contact the trapped workers were unsuccessful.
 

The tunnel collapse occurred on Saturday at the 14-kilometer inlet of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC), which runs from Srisailam to Devarakonda in Nagarkurnool district. A slipped concrete segment used to seal seepage is believed to have triggered the collapse, leaving at least eight people trapped inside. The rescue operation is now a coordinated effort involving local rescue teams, the Indian Army, Navy personnel, NDRF, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is actively overseeing the entire operation, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of the situation.
 

Rescue Operations and Challenges
The NDRF Deputy Commander provided additional details on the ongoing operation. A team entered the tunnel at approximately 10 pm on Saturday to assess the conditions. Utilizing a locomotive and a conveyor belt, the team managed to cover 13 kilometers of the tunnel. However, they encountered a 200-meter section near the TBM filled with debris, which has significantly hindered efforts to reach the trapped workers. Moreover, waterlogging between the 11- and 13-kilometer marks further delayed the removal of debris, complicating the rescue process. The deputy commander stated, “Our first team reached here around 7 pm on Saturday to rescue the trapped workers. First, we need to complete the dewatering process and then remove the debris,” adding that the exact location of the trapped individuals is still not confirmed.
 

The use of a variety of heavy machinery is central to the operation. Excavators are being deployed to clear debris, while advanced camera systems, including micro-cameras and endoscopic devices, are being used to survey the tunnel’s interior. These technologies not only help in mapping the debris and waterlogged sections but also provide critical information about the condition and exact position of those trapped. The deployment of such equipment reflects a modern, coordinated approach to rescue operations, combining traditional heavy machinery with cutting-edge imaging technology to improve the likelihood of a successful rescue.
 

Coordinated Efforts and Future Prospects
The rescue mission at Nagarkurnool is a race against time as authorities work meticulously to ensure that every precaution is taken. Minister Jupally Krishna Rao has stressed that despite the grim prognosis regarding the survival chances, the rescue teams are leaving no effort spared. The inclusion of rat miners in the operation is a testament to the commitment to utilize all available expertise and technology in situations of extreme urgency. These professionals, known for their work in extracting trapped individuals from precarious environments, bring invaluable experience to the table.Local officials, along with the Army and NDRF, are making every effort to expedite the dewatering process and clear the debris. The tunnel environment, characterized by seepage, waterlogging, and unstable debris, poses significant risks not only to the trapped workers but also to the rescue personnel. Therefore, strict safety protocols are in place to minimize any further hazards. The coordinated operation is an exemplary model of multi-agency collaboration, with each unit contributing its specialized skills and equipment.
 

High-level oversight from Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Minister Jupally Krishna Rao ensures that the operation maintains momentum and that all available resources are effectively deployed. The combination of local expertise, advanced machinery, and sophisticated imaging technology provides a glimmer of hope, even as the challenges remain formidable. As the rescue teams continue to work through the debris and waterlogged sections, they are expected to update authorities on their progress and, ultimately, on the condition of the trapped workers.This ongoing rescue operation highlights the complexity and urgency of dealing with infrastructure accidents and the critical importance of swift, coordinated responses in emergencies. While the outlook for the eight trapped workers remains uncertain, the relentless efforts of the rescue teams underscore a commitment to saving lives against overwhelming odds. Updates on the operation are eagerly awaited by the community and will be closely monitored by state authorities as they continue to strive for a breakthrough in this challenging rescue mission.