The Gurugram Metro Rail (GMRL) has commenced a ground-penetrating radar survey (GPRS) of 27 metro stations along the route from Millennium City Centre to Cyber Hub, passing through Old Gurugram in a loop. The survey aims to map underground utilities under the proposed stations, including water, sewage, and other pipelines, as well as electricity cables and other infrastructure. A senior official from the GMRL project contractor stated that the survey, which began last Thursday, will initially cover up to Sector 9 station, with the report to be submitted to GMRL authorities within one month. The senior official further explained that the GPRS survey is non-destructive and conducted using electronic equipment. It does not require digging or drilling to identify objects beneath the surface, providing accurate data about the sub-surface. This will help ensure that there are no unexpected issues when the construction of the metro project begins. The official emphasised that metro pillars will be dug deep, making it crucial to ensure there are no structures beneath the alignment and stations. The Gurugram Metro extension project, executed by GMRL, is a special-purpose vehicle of the Haryana government. It will connect Millennium City Centre metro station to Cyber Hub, with an estimated cost of Rs 54.52 billion. The project spans 28.5km and includes 27 elevated stations. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has instructed GMRL to expedite preliminary activities, such as surveys, in order to begin groundwork by May 1. Systra, the detailed design consultant (DDC) for the project, is responsible for designing the metro system and conducting the surveys. In addition to the radar survey, the project contractor is also conducting an Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) survey of the 27 stations. This survey aims to assess the water levels and the characteristics of the soil beneath the stations. According to the official, the ERT survey will help identify the depth and distribution of groundwater, providing insight into water availability and other factors necessary for construction. It will also help in identifying the nature of different soils, with the report to be submitted within a month. News source: Hindustan Times