Ghaziabad, June 10 (IANS): Delhi Metro's extension line from Dilshad Garden in east Delhi to New Bus stand here has suffered a setback after the NHAI refused to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a key road.

Now, the Metro is unable to start work from Mohan Nagar to the Meerut road tri-junction, Ghaziabad Development Authority's Ravindra Madhukar Godbole said.

"We have requested the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to hand over the particular stretch to us. In exchange, we offered them a newly built link road," he said.

"Although they have agreed, this would take a further six to seven months... Under the circumstances, DMRC's work will suffer," said Godbole.

DMRC project director Shishir Tyagi said the NHAI's "rigid since" had hit work.

Municipal councillor Rajendra Tyagi added: "The project is now delayed by at least six to eight months."

The 9.41-km stretch was to have eight stations - Shahid Nagar, Rajbagh, Rajendra Nagar, Shyam Park, Mohan Nagar, Arthala, Raj Nagar Extension and New Bus Stand.