GURGAON: The construction of phase 1 of the new metro corridor has entered the next phase.The first pier cap was installed on Thursday, nearly a year after the construction of phase 1 was awarded. While the project was allotted in Aug last year, the construction works only began on the ground in Nov.The pier cap – a horizontal reinforced concrete or stone beam, placed on top of a metro pier – was assembled over a 7.8-metre-high pier at around 2am.Officials said the installation marks the beginning of the superstructure phase of the project, where the elevated metro corridor starts taking shape. With the first pier cap now in place, GMRL will begin installing similar structures at other locations along the corridor, a senior official said. “The first pier cap erection was carried out safely. The installation of the first pier cap is a crucial engineering milestone as this will allow the commencement of U-girder launching, bringing the project a step closer to the stage where the metro corridor becomes visible above ground. We are committed to delivering the project on schedule while ensuring quality, safety and efficient execution,” the senior GMRL official said, adding that such activities require heavy cranes and temporary traffic restrictions, which is why most launching works will be undertaken during night hours to minimise inconvenience to commuters while ensuring the highest safety standards.The 28.5 km corridor – planned to connect Millennium City Centre (MCC) and Cyber City with a spur to Dwarka Expressway – will have 27 stations and is aimed at improving connectivity between residential and commercial areas while integrating with the existing Delhi Metro network.The pier caps will support the U-girders – U-shaped concrete structural elements – on which the tracks will be laid, paving the way for construction of the elevated viaduct. In Aug last year, Dilip Buildcon Ltd and Ranjit Buildcon Ltd were tasked with construction of the first phase of the line for Rs 1,277 crore. The work is expected to take 30 months. Under this phase, a 15.3-km-long metro corridor – out of the total 28.5 km corridor – will be built between Millennium City Centre and Sector 9, with a spur to Dwarka Expressway in Sector 101.
