Gurugram, Oct. 7 -- The project contractor for Gurugram metro rail limited (GMRL) on Monday started construction work on the first pillar for the metro track under phase 1 of the project near sector 31 traffic signal. The piling rig was brought to the site overnight, with digging operations beginning Monday morning. To facilitate the work, a section of road has been barricaded, officials said. A GMRL official said that piling work has started, and will proceed downwards towards Subash Chowk and Hero Honda Chowk while carrying out the work. "The piling rig will keep going towards sector 9," he said. The contractor is expected to construct a total of 2,178 pillars for the metro line. The piling rig being used was previously stationed near the GMDA office in Sector 44, where the first test pile was carried out. The piling rig deployed by the contractor can dig up to 180 metres deep. "With this machine we can complete the digging and concreting of a pillar foundation in 12 hours," said a GMRL official. Phase 1 of the project includes the construction of a 15.22-kilometre elevated metro viaduct, 15 stations, a 1.85-kilometre spur connecting to the Dwarka Expressway, and a ramp leading to the proposed depot at Sector 33. GMRL also asked the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran to expedite land transfers at Sector 10 and Sector 33. "The contractor has to set up casting yards at these locations and we have asked the authority to ensure encroachments are removed," he said....