Expressline completed in record time

It is probably the fastest-ever time in which an airport expressline has been constructed anywhere in the world. Subhendu Ray reports.

It is probably the fastest-ever time in which an airport expressline has been constructed anywhere in the world.

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This distinction has been achieved by Delhi Metro's airport expressline, which is scheduled to start functioning from Wednesday, February 23. The construction of its 22.7 km line was completed in just 27 months.

On Thursday, after a marathon meeting, the Ministry of home affairs (MHA) directed the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to complete security deployment process by Sunday, so that the line can be thrown open without further delay.

Delhi Metro chief E Sreedharan has also reportedly emphasised the urgency of opening the line without any further delay. Sreedharan, however, was not available for any comment.

According to MHA sources, a total of 419 men will be deployed in the entire network. The ministry wanted deployment of over 700 men.

"We are in the process of deploying our men to core security areas including access control, frisking, baggage checking, quick reaction teams, armed support and bomb detection and disposal squad," said a CISF source.

Jalan said: "The constant support of Delhi Metro helped us complete the project in such a short span of time despite facing problems like unprecedented rain, labour shortage, CWG preparation, etc."