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The new route will directly connect Munirka and Vasant Kunj to the Gurugram and Dwarka Expressways. It will also ensure smoother traffic to Delhi Airport’s Terminal 3
The tunnel will also streamline journeys from the Dwarka Expressway to Manesar and Chandigarh. (Representative/News18 Hindi)
The path has been cleared for the construction of a road tunnel connecting Dwarka Expressway to Nelson Mandela Marg in the national capital. Following a public hearing, the Delhi Pollution Control Board submitted its comprehensive assessment report to the Ministry of Environment. The ministry will now review this report and determine the next steps.
This tunnel will play an important role in eliminating traffic congestion between Shiv Murti Chowk and Nelson Mandela Marg in South-West Delhi. Additionally, its construction will connect the Dwarka Expressway to the Delhi-Jaipur and Delhi-Faridabad highways. The Dwarka Expressway originates at Shiv Murti Chowk.
The construction of this tunnel promises significant relief for commuters travelling between Delhi and Gurugram. Not only will it alleviate congestion, but it will also streamline journeys from the Dwarka Expressway to Manesar and Chandigarh. Additionally, those heading to Terminal 3 of Delhi Airport will experience smoother traffic flow. This new route will directly connect Munirka and Vasant Kunj to the Gurugram Expressway and Dwarka Expressway.
A public hearing was held on September 18 and 19 to assess the environmental impact of a proposed road tunnel. The hearing aimed to gather public opinions and suggestions regarding the project, which would connect Dwarka Expressway Package-1 (Shiv Murti Interchange) to Nelson Mandela Marg in Vasant Kunj.
Following the hearing, the Delhi Pollution Control Board compiled a comprehensive assessment report based on the feedback received. This report has been submitted to the Ministry of Environment for review as part of the environmental clearance process for the road tunnel.
The proposal to build this road tunnel was put forward in January 2024. The total length of the project is 4.78 km, with the tunnel itself spanning 2.28 km. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 2,000 crore.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will oversee the construction of the road tunnel and has begun the process of obtaining the necessary approvals. The proposed location of the tunnel presents challenges, as it is surrounded by numerous sewer and water pipelines, as well as underground gas, electricity, and other utility lines. Relocating these utilities is expected to be a time-consuming process.
