Ahmedabad: The city civic body has introduced Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) technology to map underground distribution networks. This technology will prevent damage to the underground lines, be it power, water, or other utilities, and avoid delays in ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects.

GPR, a non-destructive geophysical technique using radio waves to detect subsurface utilities without excavation, is currently being tested at Panjrapole crossroads for a flyover project. It is learned that to meet growing demand, AMC plans to empanel a dedicated agency for such surveys, with a request for proposal (RFP) in progress.

Previously, AMC tested this technology on Ashram Road for microtunneling a stormwater pipeline. As per an AMC official, since many underground utility alignments lack proper records, trial pits are traditionally dug to locate them. However, GPR, which operates on radio frequencies, can identify buried metals like pipelines and help create accurate maps, minimizing disruption.

A similar GPR survey was recently conducted at the proposed bullet train project site in Sabarmati to map underground structures up to 10 meters deep, ensuring safe construction. DeshGujarat