Centre Greenlights ₹3,500 Crore Tunnel to Unsnarl South Delhi-NCR Traffic.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Sunday that the national capital is set to benefit from a significant infrastructure boost, with the Centre approving a 5-kilometer tunnel project aimed at alleviating severe traffic congestion between South Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). This development is a direct result of the "double-engine government" at work, she stated.

The proposed tunnel, connecting Shiv Murti-Mahipalpur (Dwarka Expressway) to Nelson Mandela Road (Vasant Kunj), is expected to create a signal-free corridor and drastically reduce congestion on numerous routes.

Major Infrastructure Push for Delhi

Chief Minister Gupta revealed that following a recent meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, projects worth an estimated ₹24,000 crore have been approved. These initiatives are designed to streamline traffic flow and combat pollution in Delhi and its surrounding areas. Among these projects, the 5-kilometer tunnel stands out, slated for construction by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at an estimated cost of ₹3,500 crore.

Tunnel Design and Features

The tunnel will feature two underground tubes, one for each direction of traffic, with each tube accommodating three lanes. It will be equipped with modern electro-mechanical systems, advanced ventilation, comprehensive fire safety measures, CCTV surveillance, dedicated control rooms, emergency exits, and cross-passages to ensure safety and efficiency.

Expected Impact on Traffic and Connectivity

Chief Minister Gupta emphasized that the tunnel's construction will significantly ease traffic congestion on key arteries such as Nelson Mandela Road (Vasant Kunj), Mahipalpur, and Rangpuri. It is also projected to reduce the traffic burden on Dhaula Kuan, Rao Tula Ram Marg, and National Highway 48 in the Mahipalpur area.

South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri hailed the tunnel as a "blessing" for residents, offering a direct, signal-free alternative for travel between South Delhi, Dwarka, and Gurgaon. He anticipates the tunnel will play a crucial role in eliminating peak-hour traffic jams on NH-48.

Bidhuri further explained that this tunnel will serve as a vital connector, linking central and East Delhi to several major expressways and highways. These include the Delhi Expressway (NE-5), NH-44, NH-10, Delhi-Jaipur Highway (NH-48), and the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway (NH-709B), all accessible via the Urban Extension Road (UER) and Dwarka Expressway. This enhanced connectivity is expected to result in smoother traffic flow and a notable reduction in pollution levels across these routes.

Project Timeline and Vision

Chief Minister Gupta stated that all technical and formal requirements for the project are in their final stages, with work anticipated to commence early next year. She described the project as the "foundation for the Delhi of the future," asserting that the tunnel will significantly advance Delhi's infrastructure and provide relief to millions. "We are committed to making Delhi congestion-free and clean," she affirmed.

The tunnel project will terminate at the upcoming intersection at Shiv Murti on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway. Officials indicated that commuters heading towards Gurgaon will be able to take a left turn to join the expressway, while those destined for Manesar or Chandigarh can seamlessly merge onto the Dwarka Expressway.