The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has commenced trial run of the highly anticipated 3.6-km Dwarka Expressway tunnel, offering direct access from Gurugram to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. The trial run, which began on Thursday, currently allows traffic through the tunnel daily from 12 noon to 3 PM.
Designed to ease traffic congestion and significantly cut travel time, the tunnel is expected to save commuters upto an hour, particularly during peak hours. NHAI plans to fully open the tunnel by June 5 after evaluating traffic flow, infrastructure strength, and safety protocols during the trial run.
To ensure smooth and secure operations during the trial, the tunnel enforces a 4.5-meter height limit and prohibits the entry of two-wheelers, three-wheelers (such as e-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws), and vehicles carrying inflammable substances like oil tankers.
Built with cutting-edge technology, the tunnel features round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, strategically placed emergency exits, and a central control room, all aimed at ensuring passenger safety and real-time operational monitoring.
Key benefits of the tunnel:
Uninterrupted Airport Access: Direct connectivity to IGI Airport without the usual border traffic bottlenecks, especially benefiting travelers from Gurugram, Faridabad, Manesar, Sonipat, Panipat, and Chandigarh.
Time Efficiency: Reduces airport commute time by up to an hour.
Reduced Pressure on NH-48: Offers an alternative route to the frequently congested Delhi-Gurugram NH-48 corridor.
Dwarka Expressway: A landmark project
Route & Coverage: The 29-km-long Dwarka Expressway spans 18.9 km in Haryana and 10.1 km in Delhi, connecting Mahipalpur to Kherki Daula.
India’s First 8-Lane Elevated Urban Expressway: With approximately 75 per cent of the stretch elevated, it includes India’s longest and widest 8-lane tunnel.
Infrastructure Highlights: Over 20 flyovers and bridges, 11 vehicle underpasses, 20 pedestrian subways, 2 rail overpasses, and a dedicated 2.5-meter-wide cycling track.
Project Cost: ₹9,000 crore, covering construction, land acquisition, and integration of advanced technologies.
The expressway and tunnel are set to revolutionize connectivity in the region, offering a modern, efficient, and safer travel alternative for thousands of daily commuters.
Follow us
