Delhi-Varanasi bullet train to connect Ayodhya, Mathura

NEW DELHI: Ayodhya, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, will get bullet train connectivity. The Delhi-Varanasi corridor for which the detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared will connect the holy city, Mathura, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Agra, Kanpur and Jewar airport as well.
According to the National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL), which is preparing the DPR for this stretch, the 800km corridor will also connect Etawah, Lucknow, Raebareli and Bhadohi.
Sources said this alignment will cover mixed terrains including densely populated urban and rural areas, highways, roads, ghats, rivers, green fields, which makes the construction more challenging.
The NHSRCL is implementing the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project.
It said for preparing the DPR, the entity will deploy the Light Detection and Ranging Survey (LiDAR) technique using laser enabled equipment mounted on a helicopter for ground survey. So far, the Li-DAR technology has been used in the highways sector for finalising alignment and getting precise details on the ground in the quickest possible time.
The alignment or ground survey is a crucial activity for any linear infrastructure project as the it provides accurate details of areas around the alignment. This technique uses a combination of laser data, GPS data, flight parameters and actual photographs.
The technology has helped prepare better DPRs for highway projects and has helped zero down on the acquisition of the exact land for construction purposes.