The SLBC tunnel project, originally estimated at Rs 1,925 crore in 2007, has already risen to Rs 4,637 crore and faces further escalation as the government abandons tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for drill-and-blast methods. The government has enlisted the Army, Air Force, and BRO to fast-track the critical 9-km inlet stretch.

Hyderabad: The Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel project is poised for a big escalation in costs as the government abandons tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in favor of traditional drill-and-blast techniques for the remaining stretches.

Originally conceptualised in 2007 with an estimated cost of Rs 1,925 crore, the 44-km main tunnel project has already ballooned to a revised estimate of Rs 4,637 crore.

Officials now warn that the change to drill-and-blast m

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