Laser-enabled aerial LiDAR for Delhi-Varanasi hi-speed corridor

08 Dec 2020 CW Team

Keeping in mind the magnitude of the project and adhering to the timelines to submit the DPR of DVHSR corridor, the ground survey using aerial LiDAR technique has already started. Reference points on the ground have already been marked and data collection through equipment mounted on a helicopter will commence from December 13 (depending on the weather conditions) in a phased manner. The requisite permissions from the Ministry of Defence for flying the helicopter have been received and the inspection of the aircraft and equipment are underway.

The aerial LiDAR survey technique is expected to save time exponentially. The first instance of the aerial technique for a railway project in India was adopted for the Mumbai- Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor, chosen primarily because of its high accuracy. The ground survey using aerial LiDAR for MAHSR alignment was done only in 12 weeks against the 10-12 months if had been done through traditional survey methods.

The proposed Delhi-Varanasi HSR alignment covers mixed terrains including densely populated urban and rural areas, highways, roads, ghats, rivers, green fields etc. which makes this activity more challenging. The tentative length of the corridor is about 800 km. The alignment and stations will be decided in consultation with the government.

The alignment or ground survey is a crucial activity for any linear infrastructure project as the survey provides accurate details of areas around the alignment. This technique uses a combination of laser data, GPS data, flight parameters and actual photographs to give accurate survey data. Based on the findings of the survey, designing of the vertical and horizontal alignment, structures, location of the stations and depots, land requirement for the corridor, identification of project affected plots or structures, right-of-way, and so on, are decided.

NHSRCL has been entrusted by the Ministry of Railways with preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Delhi-Varanasi high-speed corridor.

Source: Press Information Bureau (Government of India)

Also read: Bids invited for Delhi-Amritsar high-speed rail corridor

Image credit: Base Camp Aviation

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) will be adopting Light Detection and Ranging Survey (LiDAR) technique using laser enabled equipment mounted on a helicopter for conducting ground survey for the preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Delhi-Varanasi HSR corridor (DVHSR). Keeping in mind the magnitude of the project and adhering to the timelines to submit the DPR of DVHSR corridor, the ground survey using aerial LiDAR technique has already started. Reference points on the ground have already been marked and data collection through equipment mounted on a helicopter will commence from December 13 (depending on the weather conditions) in a phased manner. The requisite permissions from the Ministry of Defence for flying the helicopter have been received and the inspection of the aircraft and equipment are underway. The aerial LiDAR survey technique is expected to save time exponentially. The first instance of the aerial technique for a railway project in India was adopted for the Mumbai- Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor, chosen primarily because of its high accuracy. The ground survey using aerial LiDAR for MAHSR alignment was done only in 12 weeks against the 10-12 months if had been done through traditional survey methods. The proposed Delhi-Varanasi HSR alignment covers mixed terrains including densely populated urban and rural areas, highways, roads, ghats, rivers, green fields etc. which makes this activity more challenging. The tentative length of the corridor is about 800 km. The alignment and stations will be decided in consultation with the government. The alignment or ground survey is a crucial activity for any linear infrastructure project as the survey provides accurate details of areas around the alignment. This technique uses a combination of laser data, GPS data, flight parameters and actual photographs to give accurate survey data. Based on the findings of the survey, designing of the vertical and horizontal alignment, structures, location of the stations and depots, land requirement for the corridor, identification of project affected plots or structures, right-of-way, and so on, are decided. NHSRCL has been entrusted by the Ministry of Railways with preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Delhi-Varanasi high-speed corridor. Source: Press Information Bureau (Government of India) Also read: Bids invited for Delhi-Amritsar high-speed rail corridor Image credit: Base Camp Aviation

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..