NHAI Begins Tunnel Trial on Dwarka Expressway to Ease NH-48 Traffic”
Delhi : In a major step toward reducing traffic congestion and improving urban mobility in the Delhi-NCR region, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has commenced the trial run of the tunnel and underpasses on the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway. The trial operations will begin on May 29, 2025, and will be conducted daily from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
The key infrastructure components opened for trial include a shallow tunnel that connects Dwarka/Yashobhumi to IGI Airport via a series of underpasses. Commuters will also be able to travel from Dwarka/Yashobhumi to Gurugram (Sirhaul) through the shallow tunnel and a right-turn underpass. Additionally, travelers from Terminal 3 of IGI Airport can use a combination of airport underpasses and the right-turn underpass to reach Gurugram.
Enhancing Urban Connectivity
These newly constructed tunnels and underpasses are part of a strategic initiative to ease traffic load on the Delhi-Gurugram section of NH-48, one of the busiest corridors in the country. Once fully operational by June 5, 2025, the infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce travel time, especially for commuters moving between Dwarka, Vasant Kunj, Gurugram, and IGI Airport.
The tunnel will serve as an alternate, signal-free route to the airport and will also facilitate smooth traffic flow from southern and southwestern Delhi to northern destinations like Sonipat, Panipat, and Chandigarh via Gurugram, Faridabad, and Manesar.
Safety and Restrictions
Built using state-of-the-art engineering and safety systems, the tunnel is equipped with:
CCTV surveillance
A dedicated control room
Emergency exits
However, the tunnel will have a vehicle height restriction of 4.5 meters, and slow-moving vehicles such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and fuel-carrying tankers will not be permitted.
Evaluation and Integration
The trial period will allow NHAI to monitor:
Real-time traffic patterns
Safety protocols
Infrastructure performance
This will help ensure smooth integration into Delhi’s broader transport network and make necessary adjustments before full-scale operations begin.
Impact on Commuters
Once in full use, the project is expected to:
Reduce surface road congestion
Improve airport accessibility
Streamline intercity movement
Boost connectivity between Delhi, Gurugram, and northern India
The trial run reflects NHAI’s commitment to building a future-ready transport infrastructure and addressing the capital region’s growing traffic needs.
