Four days after a portion of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana collapsed, eight workers remain trapped inside as rescue operations continue in full force.

Families of the trapped men anxiously await their return, while officials face mounting challenges in their efforts to reach them.

On Wednesday, rescuers made significant progress and reached the farthest end of the tunnel. However, heavy muck and debris at the collapse site thwarted their attempts to locate the workers.

“A 20 member team comprising NDRF, SDRF and Rat Miners were able to reach the last points of the (tunnel). But there was a lot of debris. They are working out how to go about,” Nagarkurnool Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Gaikwad told PTI.

Rescuers have so far navigated 13.79 km of the 13.85 km tunnel, but the final stretch remains the most difficult due to accumulated water and slush.

The incident occurred on February 22 when a section of the tunnel collapsed, trapping the workers inside.

Since then, a high-stakes rescue operation has been underway, with authorities deploying all available resources to save the men.

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu assured that the state government remains committed to the mission.

The rescue operation continues, with teams working round the clock to clear the debris and reach the trapped workers.