Coronavirus blamed for delays on new Prague metro line

Construction of the new D line metro is unlikely to start until spring 2021, which would represent a 6-month setback. Originally, the first tunnel between Pankrac and Olbrachtova was supposed to begin in September, but Prague's Transportation Company (DPP) said the pandemic caused delays in the planning process and in the deadlines for public tenders. DPP finished the geological studies that were needed over the summer. "Before the coronavirus crisis, we said we'd like to begin building this year in September. According to the current situation, the optimistic scenario has us beginning to build in spring next year, while according to the pessimistic scenario it would be six months after that," said PR manager for DPP Daniel Sabik. DPP applied for a construction permit at the end of last year, but has gotten stuck thanks to delays in dealing with objections to it from the public.