Worker dies in Veligonda tunnel accident, minister orders safety

A 20-year-old worker, Montilal Singh from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, died after hitting his head on a hydraulic machine inside Tunnel-2 of the Veligonda Project in Markapuram district early on August 17, 2026. The accident occurred around 3 a.m. about 9 km inside the tunnel during the third shift. He was taken to the government hospital in Dornala and died at 7 a.m. while receiving treatment.

Minister for Water Resources Nimmala Ramanaidu spoke to the project's Chief Engineer and representatives of contractor Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL). He expressed shock and directed officials to provide full assistance to the family. Since Montilal was unmarried, his parents will receive insurance and other benefits. The minister instructed that worker safety be given top priority in tunnel work.

Project Superintending Engineer Abutalem said this is the third accident since the project began in 2006. He stated the contractor has taken utmost care of worker safety over the past two decades. The Hindu reports that project officials did not respond to calls or messages after the incident.