The completion date for the Orange Line's Phase II extension, stretching from Ruby to Sector V, has been shifted to March 2025. Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL), the agency overseeing the project, initially aimed for a December 2024 deadline but cited a delay in bridging an 800-meter viaduct gap at Chingrighata as the reason for the revised schedule.

Work to bridge an additional 125-meter gap at Metropolitan is ongoing. Despite land challenges at locations such as Tagore Park, Chingrighata, and Nicco Park, the corridor received safety approval from the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) for operations on the 4.5 km Ruby-to-Metropolitan stretch.

In this fiscal year, RVNL received a significant budget allocation of Rs 17.91 billion and adjusted its plans to create an 8.5 km Orange Line extension that will connect with the East-West Metro (Green Line) at Sector V.

The 29 km Orange Line, also known as Line 6, began service on a limited 5.4 km route from New Garia to Ruby crossing in March. This line will ultimately connect New Garia to the city airport, moving through EM Bypass and New Town. Several viaduct gaps due to land issues have been addressed, including a critical gap at Tagore Park, bridged with a suspended crossing over a canal.

Construction challenges at Chingrighata and Nicco Park delayed work on piers and platforms, but recent permissions have allowed progress. RVNL now anticipates seeking CRS inspection in early 2025, with the Ruby-to-Sector V section expected to open shortly after. (ET)