Construction of a new metro line in Delhi could be delayed until 2025 due to delays in obtaining green clearances. The project, aimed at improving public transport in the capital, has faced significant setbacks due to lengthy approval processes from environmental authorities.

Officials involved in the project stressed that approval for environmental assessments, essential for large-scale infrastructure developments, has taken longer than expected. This has delayed the pre-construction phase and could delay groundbreaking by another year.

The proposed metro line is a crucial addition to Delhi’s growing transport network, aimed at easing congestion and reducing 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 transportation, have raised concerns about the ecological impacts of the construction, including potential damage to green spaces and wildlife habitats. This has led to increased scrutiny and demands for more detailed impact studies.

Metro officials remain optimistic that the project will move forward once permits are secured, but they now expect construction to begin no later than 2025. The delay could have a knock-on effect 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 create a more sustainable public transport system.