The Gurugram Metro Expansion Project (Gurugram Metro) reached a major construction milestone with the lifting of its first 160-tonne U-girder at Pier No. 26/27 near Cyber Park, an official said on Saturday. The U-girder was lifted around midnight using hydraulic cranes of 400 tonnes and 600 tonnes capacity and was placed at the designated location in accordance with prescribed technical and safety standards. The operation was overseen by project engineers and site supervisors who coordinated lifting, alignment and temporary support works to ensure structural integrity during installation. Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh performed a puja to mark the commencement of the on-ground construction activity and was present during the lifting operation. The minister described the event as the start of a new phase of work and stated that it would give fresh momentum to the metro expansion, a key Haryana government priority. He underlined that the government’s objective is to provide modern and improved public transport facilities in Gurugram so that civic amenities expand in tandem with the city’s development. The minister said construction would be accelerated while maintaining strict adherence to quality and safety parameters and that teams on site would focus on systematic execution of subsequent girders and related civil works. He observed that the project was important for strengthening public transport in view of Gurugram’s rapidly expanding urban landscape and rising traffic pressure, and that enhanced mass transit infrastructure would support sustainable urban mobility. Expansion of the metro network will improve connectivity between key areas and provide commuters a convenient, fast and reliable mode of transport. As the project progresses, other construction activities will be taken up expeditiously in accordance with the stipulated work plan, the official added, with traffic management and utility coordination forming part of the execution strategy. The project team intends to minimise disruption to local movement and to synchronise works with municipal agencies and contractors to meet milestones. Local stakeholders were briefed on safety measures and timelines as site preparations continue.