In the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway, the tunnel leading from Dwarka to the Delhi-Jaipur Highway will be opened for a test run next week. During the one-week test period, any identified shortcomings will be addressed. The opening of this tunnel is anticipated to alleviate congestion around Shiv Murti and Mahipalpur on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway.

To link Sector-21 of Dwarka in Delhi with the Delhi-Jaipur Highway and IGI Airport, NHAI has built a 3.6 km long tunnel. This tunnel will eventually branch off into three sections. One section will head towards Terminal-3 of IGI Airport, which has a dedicated 3 km long tunnel to the airport. Vehicles will emerge from this tunnel near the Radisson Hotel on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway. Thus, travelers can access the airport from the expressway after just 6.6 km, well off the traffic jam zones.

Another branch of the tunnel will lead to the Delhi-Jaipur Highway intersection close to Shiv Murti and Mahipalpur. Following this, the next tunnel will be about 1.6 km long. On the opposite side, a U-turn exit towards Sector-21, Dwarka will be available once the tunnel ends.

Delhi – Jaipur Highway Airport Tunnel Opening Delay

The expressway tunnel is almost done. Once all the issues found in the test run are resolved, it will be opened fully for traffic. As of now, the route to Delhi Airport via this tunnel remains cut off due to some work going on. The NHAI plans to have it opened for test traffic in about 20 days. The tunnel from Jaipur Highway to the Delhi Airport will then be opened following traffic trials.

Reduction in Pollution Levels

According to NHAI officials, the tunnel from Delhi-Jaipur highway to Sector-21, Dwarka will open in June. When that happens, it will reduce the traffic congestion on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway and significantly reduce pollution. One of the NHAI officials stated that the plan includes the opening of the tunnels for four to five hours a day for testing traffic and pressure, and any ground modifications that might be needed. They also plan to alleviate traffic through 12 major junctions like the Shiv Murti and Nelson Mandela Road Vasant Kunj Interchange.

Vibrant Paintings on Tunnel Walls

NHAI ensures the drive through the tunnel is a pleasant experience by painting the tunnel walls with vibrant colors. Special lighting has also been added. Measures are also in place to prevent drivers from stopping for photographs inside the tunnel.

Quick Facts About Dwarka Expressway
* Total length: 28.46 km
* Gurugram section: 18.9 km
* Delhi section: 9.5 km
* Tunnel length: 3.6 km
* From Dwarka to Shiv Murti: 4 lanes
* From Shiv Murti to Dwarka: 4 lanes
* Total cost: ₹8,611 crore

Gurgaon Section Inaugurated Last Year

Last year in March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Gurugram section of the Dwarka Expressway, which spans 18.9 km. It was constructed with a budget of ₹3,247 crore. The expressway serves sectors 81 to 115 and also benefits neighboring sectors 4, 7, 9, 9A, 10, and 10A along with surrounding colonies.

Toll Plaza Ready

In construction of the expressway Dwarkak uh- Gurugram Delhi border, NHAI has placed a toll plaza. The toll fee for this section is currently undetermined. While fee collection is suspended until the expressway’s completion, toll collection from commercial vehicles has already begun at the plaza.