Trains on Heritage Line will stop at the historic Delhi Gate, Jama Masjid, Lal Quila and Kashmere Gate.
Experiencing the many delights of Old Delhi just got easier for the capital's residents, with the inauguration of Delhi Metro's Heritage Line. Trains on the new route will stop at the historic Delhi Gate, Jama Masjid, Lal Quila and Kashmere Gate and will be a perfect gateway to the charms of Delhi's Mughal quarter.
The 9.37 km stretch covered by the Heritage line proved more of a challenge for Delhi Metro engineers than any other phase of metro expansion. This time, the challenge wasn't just about drilling through tough granite rocks. The engineers had to ensure that their heavy drilling didn't cause any damage to the centuries-old monuments above ground.
"The challenges encountered in the construction of the Heritage line are neither part of any course books nor are taught in colleges. The completion of this line is a feat of engineering," claimed Anuj Dayal of the Delhi Metro.
As the corridor passes through areas of historical importance, the stations along the line have been decorated with panels and artworks showcasing the glory of the Mughal era.
It won't be just tourists though who will travel on this route. The Heritage line will connect people from Faridabad at one end of Delhi to the very center of the city. It will also help ease the passenger load along Delhi's metro's congested Violet line.
Not everyone, though, is looking forward to the new metro line.
Plying on the narrow streets of the old city, e-rickshaw pullers are afraid that they will soon be out of work. So far residents and visitors had no other option than commuting on the 'mini-metro.
With the Heritage line all this could change quickly.
"When the metro services start here, who will come to us? Right now anyone who wants to travel from Kashmere Gate to Red Fort or Chandni Chowk has to use our services. Don't know what will happen now?" a worried e-rickshaw driver told NDTV.