The anticipated ‘Heritage Line’ stretch of the Delhi Metro will be active from May 28, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced on Friday. This project was to be operational last year, however, after failing deadlines it is ready to begin its commercial operation.
An extension of the Violet Line (ITO-Escort Mujeser), this stretch comprises four stations — Kashmere Gate, Dilli Gate, Jama Masjid and Lal Qila. This project will be inaugurated by Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on the same day two hours before it hit the tracks for the public.
Notably, Metro officials have attributed the delays to difficulties they faced during the construction on the vulnerable stretch, as many historical ramparts were laid along it. Many reasons have been cited as the cause of the delay of the construction of this stretch. This includes, procurement of land and exodus of the labour force immediately after demonetization.
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The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) gave the green signal for the formal launch of the 5.17-km-long corridor on Thursday following a two-day inspection early this week. With its launch, metro will make a major foray into old Delhi or the ‘Walled City’, with three stations—Delhi Gate, Jama Masjid and Red Fort.
