India’s top nine agencies form unified command to save lives in Telangana tunnel collapse

A massive rescue operation is underway to save eight people trapped in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, following a collapse in Nagarkurnool district on February 22, 2025. The situation has escalated into a race against time, with the country’s top nine agencies known for their expertise in disaster rescue working relentlessly to rescue the victims.

A specialized team of personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Hydrological Investigation agency, and other relevant agencies have been assembled to form a unified command. This team is coordinating the intense rescue efforts at the disaster site.

Meanwhile, in a fortunate twist, Glen, the project manager of The Robbins Company – a globally recognized tunnel boring machine company based in the United States – narrowly escaped the incident. Glen was at the site when the collapse occurred but was fortunate to escape unscathed.

The SLBC tunnel project, a vital infrastructure element, has been the focus of significant attention in the region, and the current rescue mission has brought together the combined expertise of various national agencies to ensure the best possible outcome for those trapped inside.

The efforts to rescue the victims continue as the unified command strives to overcome the immense challenges posed by the collapsed structure, with the hope of bringing all trapped persons to safety.