Uttam Kumar Reddy: SLBC Tunnel Work to Resume With Safety Measures and Sets 2028 Deadline

The Telangana government has decided to give a fresh push to the long-pending Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel project, setting January 2028 as the deadline for its completion. Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said the work will now move forward with strict safety measures and a clear monthly excavation target of 175 meters.

Of the 44-kilometer tunnel, nearly 35 kilometers have already been dug. The last 9 kilometers, considered the toughest stretch, will be handled with advanced technical methods and constant safety checks. To tackle unpredictable ground conditions, the government plans to use helicopter-based surveys so that engineers know what lies ahead before digging further. Lt Gen Harpal Singh, who has been brought in as an advisor, has suggested using modern technology and training young engineers for the job.

Officials say work will run in three shifts around the clock, with experts inside the tunnel to monitor progress, ensure quality and prevent accidents. The government has made it clear that the project must stay within the revised budget and avoid any delays. Once completed, the tunnel is expected to bring big benefits to Telangana farmers by providing reliable irrigation water, reducing the state’s dependence on expensive pumping systems, and putting a stop to illegal diversions by neighboring Andhra Pradesh.