The long-delayed Gurugram Metro project is finally getting underway after six years. The Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC), responsible for executing the project, has issued a tender for the geo-technical survey of a 12.76km section of the 28.60km line. This extension will connect the Metro rail line from Huda City Centre to Old Gurugram and eventually to CyberHub in a loop, providing connectivity throughout the entire city. The Haryana government stated that a spur will be built from Palam Vihar to Dwarka's Sector 21 to ensure connectivity with the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro. The geo-technical consultant will provide a comprehensive description of the soil and rocks, including test results and analyses for each kilometre of the stretch. The Gurugram Metro project was initially conceptualised in 2016 but has remained on paper due to multiple changes in the project plan and unresolved route selections. The final detailed project report received approval from the state cabinet in October 2022, and the project now awaits final approval from the Union cabinet. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 68 billion. Last week, Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister, Haryana, announced that the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) would commence civil work on the Gurugram Metro within a month. This work will involve relocating utilities and ensuring a clear right of way for laying the Metro line. According to the tender document released by HMRTC on May 31, the geo-technical analysis will initially cover a 12.76km stretch from Huda City Centre to Sector 9, where a proposed Metro station will be located. The estimated cost of this work is Rs 50.14 lakh, and it must be completed within 16 weeks from the day of allocation, as stated in the document. The deadline for bid submissions is June 30, at 3:30 pm, and the technical bids will be opened on the same day at 5:30 pm, according to the notice issued by HMRTC. The prescribed activities for the geotechnical survey include drilling bore holes in underground rocks, conducting standard penetration tests, collecting soil samples, and recording the water table. The consultant will also gather rock samples and perform laboratory tests. The tender released by HMRTC stated, The consultant will prepare a report summarising soil and rock classifications, analysing test data, recommending the type of foundations to be used, and providing design calculations for the proposed elevated corridor. Also read: Gurugram Metro Network Set to Begin Construction Hyderabad Metro Expands with Airport Metro Express Phase