34 days into SLBC tunnel search: Kerala cadaver dogs return to aid in rescue efforts

Hyderabad: Rescue teams have once again deployed cadaver dogs from Kerala into the SLBC tunnel in Telangana's Nagarkurnool district on Thursday, March 27, 2025, to aid in the search for the remaining trapped workers. Shiva Shankar Loteti (IAS), recently appointed as the Special Officer for the rescue operations by the state government, visited the site on Thursday to review progress and expedite the efforts.

At a review meeting held at 10 a.m., Shiva Shankar Loteti highlighted the continuous work of rescue teams from both central and state governments, which have been operating for 34 days. Each day, around 600 personnel work in three shifts, ensuring smooth coordination and swift progress.

The operations involve using parts of a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) to remove soil from the tunnel, while floodwater is being pumped out in real-time. Waste materials generated from the efforts are removed by a locomotive train. The rescue teams are also provided with food, accommodation, medical support, and regular supervision.

To locate the missing workers, specially trained cadaver dogs from Kerala were deployed inside the tunnel at 11 a.m. on Thursday. The rescue teams are focused on recovering the remaining six workers who have been missing since the accident.

The review meeting was attended by several key officials, including Army Officer Vikas Singh, Major Dr. Vijay Kumar, Singareni Mines Rescue General Manager, Kalvakurthi RDO Srinivasulu, NDRF Officer Assistant Commandant Kiran Kumar, and others.

On March 25, another body was recovered from the SLBC tunnel, bringing the total number of bodies recovered to two. The body was found about 50 meters from the conveyor belt during excavation efforts with a mini excavator.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had earlier instructed that efforts continue to locate the missing workers and that IAS officer Shiva Shankar be appointed to oversee the operation. The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of the rescue operations on March 24, directing officials to prioritize locating the remaining workers and seek all necessary permissions from the central government to expedite operations.

The SLBC tunnel accident occurred on February 22, trapping eight workers. The first body, identified as Gurpreet Singh, a tunnel boring machine operator, was recovered on March 9. The search for the remaining workers continues, with the use of robotic teams helping safeguard rescuers in the difficult conditions inside the tunnel.