Good News: Trial Run Of Dwarka Expressway Tunnel Begins, Opening Likely On June 5

Last Updated:May 30, 2025, 20:15 IST

NHAI commenced trial runs for tunnels on Dwarka Expressway, linking it to IGI Airport. The 5.1 km tunnel aims to decongest NH-48.

The tunnel has been built using advanced engineering and safety features. It is equipped with CCTV surveillance, a dedicated control room, and emergency exits to ensure commuter safety and efficiency. Image/PIB

In a major relief to commuters across Delhi-NCR, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Friday commenced the trial run for tunnels and underpasses across the section of the Dwarka Expressway that lies in the national capital.

The 5.1 km-long tunnel links the Dwarka expressway with the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi. The construction of the e-way is aimed at decongesting the Delhi-Gurugram stretch of National Highway (NH) 48.

The tunnel has two segments. According to The Times of India, the main segment, 3.6 km eight-lane tunnel, links the Expressway with Delhi airport while another is a 1.5 km tunnel, which has two lanes, and connects the e-way to NH-48 towards Gurugram.

Trial Run From Noon To 3pm

For the time being, the tunnel has been opened for a trial run from noon to 3pm to cater to peak afternoon traffic.

This is a key step towards enhancing commuters experience and decongesting Delhi-NCR, apart from improving connectivity to Delhi airport from Gurugram, Manesar, Sohna, and Jaipur.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, the section open for trials comprises a shallow tunnel connecting Dwarka/Yashobhumi with IGI through airport underpasses. Commuters can even use the shallow tunnel and right-turn underpass to travel towards Gurugram from Dwarka/Yashobhumi.

Besides, commuters can also take airport underpasses and the right turn underpass to travel from Terminal 3 to Gurugram towards Sirhaul.

Once the trial is completed, the tunnel is likely to be fully open for traffic from June 5. Its strategic location and layout could be highly beneficial for daily commuters and help decongest the surface roads.

CCTV Surveillance On E-Way

An advanced engineering marvel, the tunnel is equipped with CCTVs to keep track of vehicular movement. A dedicated control room as well as emergency exits have also been set up, keeping in mind commuter safety and efficiency. Through the trial period, the NHAI is assessing traffic patterns to provide seamless integration into the city’s transport network.

What’s Allowed, What’s Not

Currently, vehicles up to 4.5 meters are allowed to enter the tunnel. The entry of slow-moving vehicles, such as two-wheelers, and three-wheelers as well as vehicles carrying flammable materials such as oil tankers, are barred from entering the tunnel and underpasses. The much-awaited project is part of the Dwarka Expressway’s fourth phase.

The 29 km-long Dwarka Expressway, built at an estimated cost of Rs 9,000 crore, stretches from Delhi’s Mahipalpur to Kherki Daula in Gurugram. While 10.1 km of it lies in the national capital, the remaining 18.9 km stretch is in Haryana.

Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...Read More

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...

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Location :

Delhi, India, India

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