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Beas-Sutlej Link Project one of the biggest tunnelling projects of Asia, envisages the diversion of about 255 cumecs of water from the Beas River into the Sutloj through Pandoh-Baggi tunnel followed by Sundernagar hydel channel and finally Sundernagar-Sutlej tunnel. The paper describes the construction procedure of 7.62 m finished diameter and 13-2 km long Pandoh-Baggi tunnel. The excavation methods adopted and the problems encountered during tunnelling operations are detailed. Special methods, which take into account of the difficulties arising from misfires and formation of cavities are discussed. A brief account of the suitable drilling pattern, burn-out method evolved has been given. The techniques involved for drilling and blasting, mucking, ribbing, rock bolting, packing and block. ing and initial concreting have been described making specific mention about improved methods, whereby increased progress at lesser cost has been obtainod. The provision of essentialities such as ventilation, drainage, power and lighting arrangements is also explained. Additionally, the article includes the labour strength employed, cost data for tunnelling operations and progress achieved, in different strata met with during construction of the tunnel.
