In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing tunnel collapse rescue operation in Telangana, authorities have located four of the eight trapped labourers, state Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao announced on Saturday (March 1, 2025).
With rescue efforts entering their eighth day, the government has intensified operations at the site. Ambulances have been stationed at Domalapenta village, while forensic experts from Hyderabad have been instructed to reach the location urgently. These preparations suggest that rescue teams are hopeful of reaching all eight trapped individuals by Sunday evening.
Rescue Efforts Intensify
Multiple agencies are working around the clock, focusing on dewatering the identified location and clearing silt. Specially trained rat miners have been deployed to access the specific area detected by ground-penetrating radar (GPR) equipment.
A Ground Probing Radar (GPR) study, conducted by the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), has detected some soft material under the debris in the last 10-15 meters of the tunnel. However, officials remain uncertain whether this material belongs to the trapped workers.
500 Rescuers on War Footing
Over 500 rescuers were engaged in operations on Friday (February 28, 2025), but a full breakthrough has yet to be achieved. Authorities remain optimistic about retrieving the trapped labourers soon.
Future Safety Measures
The Telangana government is now considering the construction of an alternative tunnel connected to the existing one. This initiative aims to ensure additional entry and exit points, improving safety measures for future projects.
Rescue operations continue, with authorities racing against time to bring all eight trapped individuals to safety.