Worker dies in accident at Veligonda tunnel project; Minister directs aid, safety review

A worker was killed in an accident at Tunnel-2 of the Veligonda project site in Markapuram district, Andhra Pradesh, on [date not specified]. The deceased was identified as Montilal, a native of Uttar Pradesh. Preliminary reports indicate that he was struck by a hydraulic machine inside the tunnel.

The Veligonda project is a major irrigation initiative aimed at diverting Krishna river water through the Nallamala hill range to drought-prone areas in the Guntur and Prakasam regions. The project involves the construction of a network of tunnels, including Tunnel-2, and is currently in its final stages.

Upon learning of the incident, Minister for Water Resources Nimmala Ramanaidu spoke with the project’s Chief Engineer and representatives of Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL), the contractor responsible for the tunnel construction. The Minister expressed shock over the death of Montilal and directed officials and agency representatives to provide all possible assistance to his family. He also expressed deep regret that such an incident occurred while work was nearing completion.

The Minister instructed that worker safety be given top priority during all tunnel construction activities, emphasising the need for strict adherence to safety protocols. However, project officials and representatives of the contractor remained tight-lipped, and did not respond to phone calls or messages from reporters seeking further details.

The death of Montilal highlights the risks faced by workers, many of whom are migrant labourers from other states, in large infrastructure projects. While no official statement has been issued regarding the circumstances of the accident, authorities have been urged to conduct a thorough examination to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This is a developing story. Further details are awaited.