Published Date: 07-12-2020

NHSRCL to Adopt LiDAR Survey Technique for Delhi-Varanasi High Speed Rail Corridor

National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) will be adopting the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) survey technique using laser-enabled equipment mounted on a helicopter for conducting ground surveys for the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Delhi-Varanasi High Speed Rail (DVHSR) corridor.

The alignment or ground survey is a crucial activity for any linear infrastructure project as it provides accurate details of areas around the alignment. This technique uses a combination of laser data, GPS data, flight parameters, and actual photographs to generate precise survey outputs. Based on the findings, the vertical and horizontal alignment, structures, station and depot locations, land requirements, identification of project-affected plots/structures, and Right of Way (RoW) are finalized.

The aerial LiDAR survey technique was adopted for the first time in any railway project in India for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) Corridor due to its high accuracy. The ground survey for MAHSR alignment was completed in approximately 12 weeks, compared to 10–12 months required under traditional survey methods.

Keeping in view the magnitude of the project and the requirement to adhere to timelines for submission of the DPR of the DVHSR corridor, the ground survey using aerial LiDAR has already commenced. Reference points on the ground have been marked, and data collection using helicopter-mounted equipment will commence from 13th December 2020 (subject to weather conditions) in a phased manner.

The necessary permissions from the Ministry of Defence for helicopter operations have been obtained, and inspection of aircraft and equipment is currently underway.

The proposed Delhi-Varanasi HSR alignment covers mixed terrains including densely populated urban and rural areas, highways, roads, ghats, rivers, and greenfield stretches, making the survey activity highly challenging.

NHSRCL has been entrusted by the Ministry of Railways with the preparation of the Detailed Project Report for the Delhi-Varanasi High Speed Rail Corridor. The tentative length of the corridor is about 800 km, and the final alignment and station locations will be decided in consultation with the government.