Tunnel collapse: Exploring alternative routes to rescue victims, says Telangana minister

The Telangana Government has made a concrete plan of action that includes exploring alternative access routes and using advanced machinery to intensify dewatering, and hoped to conclude the SLBC tunnel rescue work in two days. This was stated by minister Uttam Kumar Reddy on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the fate of the eight trapped miners remained unknown on the fourth day since the tragedy. Addressing a press conference, Reddy said it had been decided that the rescuers would go into the silt-covered tunnel in search of the trapped men and acknowledged that the rescue operation slowed down on Tuesday keeping in view the safety of the lives of the rescuers.

Reddy also said alternative access routes to reach the tunnel boring machine, which was stuck in the muck, were also being explored to mitigate risk and improve the speed of the rescue mission.

“The whole operation has been reviewed with all the officials, including from NDRF, Army, SDRF, District Collector and Superintendent of Police...we have made a concrete plan of action today that we will go ahead into the silt-covered tunnel. Now, we hope that we can complete the whole operation in two days.