Gurgaon to Central Delhi in 48 minutes flat.
The dream will finally come true at 3 p.m. on September 3 after Delhi Metro starts operation on its Central Secretariat-Qutab Minar stretch.
Currently, the line is only partially open — from Gurgaon’s HUDA City Centre to Qutab Minar
in South Delhi.
For the first time, the Metro will cut through South Delhi areas such as Jor Bagh, AIIMS, Green Park, Hauz Khas, Saket and Vasant Kunj.
It will cost R29 to travel from HUDA City Centre to Jahangirpuri. From Gurgaon to Central Secretariat, the fare will be R25.
The stretch was scheduled to be operational by mid-August but failure to obtain clearance certificates on fire safety and lift and escalators delayed the launch. The clearance was received on Tuesday.
"This is a very important stretch and over one lakh people are expected to use this corridor everyday," DMRC spokesperson Anuj Dayal said.
Several South Delhi areas are likely to receive a commercial fillip along with Chandni Chowk, Chauri Bazaar and Gaffar Market in Karol Bagh.
The Central Secretariat-Qutab Minar corridor is 12.53 kilometres long and has nine underground stations.