In 1830 the Bombay Pioneers were reduced from eight to six companies and the pioneer companies merged into the Engineer Corps. The Engineer Corps was reduced in strength yet again in 1834 as part of a general retrenchment to just one Sapper &amp; Miner and three Pioneer companies. Soon after in 1839, the Bombay Engineer companies took part in operations in Afghanistan, distinguishing themselves at Ghuznee and Khelat.