The construction of a 5 km long tunnel aimed at easing traffic congestion across South Delhi and other important routes in the Delhi NCR was announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday. The tunnel is set to connect Shiv Murti Mahipalpur near Dwarka Expressway to Nelson Mandela Road in Vasant Kunj. The total cost of the project comes out to be ₹3,500 crore, executed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). This project is part of six major infrastructural projects cleared by the Delhi Union Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways.

Reduce Traffic

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the tunnel will comprise two underground tubes, one in each direction. Alongside, there will be three lanes on each side, making a total of six lanes. This tunnel is designed to offer a direct signal-free corridor between South Delhi and Dwarka or Gurgaon. This construction is also expected to eliminate traffic jams on NH-48, especially during peak hours, and ease pressure on roads such as Nelson Mandela Road, Mahipalpur, Rangpuri, Dhola Kuan, and Rao Tularam Marg.

The new tunnel will be equipped with electro-mechanical systems, ventilation, fire safety mechanisms, CCTV surveillance, control rooms, emergency exits, and cross passages.

“We are committed to making Delhi congestion-free and clean. The construction of this tunnel will reduce the burden on roads, eliminate traffic signals and fuel… the foundation of the Delhi of the future,” said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who described the project as a crucial one in transforming the city’s transport infrastructure.

The tunnel is also part of a broad package of infrastructure work worth ₹24,000 crore that was recently approved by the Delhi government after a meeting with the Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.