As part of Krishna-Koyna lift irrigation scheme on Krishna river, B T Patil reports completion of entry and exit portals and 1.5 km of total 7.955 km of 5.6 m x 6.15 arched tunnel, together with three 11.9 m x 6.4 m rectangular access shafts to depths of 51 m, 42 m, and 28 m in basalt and deccan trap. All excavation is drill/blast using Atlas Copco handheld pneumatic machines. Contractor proposes to complete $11 million contract in early-2002, taking 30 months against schedule of 60 months. More from patson@bgl.vsnl.net.in Visit equipment manufacturer www.atlascopco.com October 2000.
