The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has constructed its sharpest broad gauge curve on an elevated section in Gurgaon near IFFCO Chowk to save existing buildings on either side of the Metro line along the Mehrauli-Gurgaon road. The curve has been constructed with a radius of 282.05 metres between piers number 125 to 137. The usual radius of curves on the elevated track of the Metro rail system measure more than 300 metres. This had to be done to save the already existing buildings,commercial malls and residential complexes on either side of the Metro alignment along the Mehrauli-Gurgaon road. The alignment was also supposed to go along the median of the running road so that the maximum number of people living in the colonies close by would benefit from the Metro services, a DMRC spokesman said. The construction in the Gurgaon section of the Delhi Metro involved the use of three launchers and took twice the normal time in the sections involving curves,since the work had to be conducted very slowly and carefully to avoid accidents in the surrounding crowded areas. The work of building sharp curves requires a great deal of engineering skill and several factors have to be kept in mind while designing special segments or spans at the specified turn or juncture. The Gurgaon line is expected to begin operations in June this year.
