Officials involved in the project highlighted that the clearance for environmental assessments, essential for large-scale infrastructure developments, has taken longer than expected. This has slowed down the pre-construction phase and could potentially delay the groundbreaking for another year.

The proposed metro line is a crucial addition to Delhi?s growing transportation network, intended to ease congestion and reduce pollution. However, the environmental clearance process, designed to assess the project?s potential impact on the environment, has proven to be a major hurdle.

Environmentalists, while supporting the expansion of public transport, have raised concerns about the ecological effects of the construction, including potential harm to green areas and wildlife habitats. This has led to additional scrutiny and demands for more detailed impact studies.

Metro officials remain optimistic that the project will move forward once clearances are secured, but they now anticipate that construction might not commence until 2025. This delay could have ripple effects on the city's urban development and congestion management plans.

Once completed, the new line is expected to provide significant relief to commuters and contribute to Delhi?s efforts to build a more sustainable public transport system.