NHAI begins trial runs on new tunnel connecting Dwarka Expressway to IGI airport and NH-48

NEW DELHI: Just a few kilometres beyond the towering Shiv Murti near the Delhi-Gurgaon border in Mahipalpur, a small group of men in safety vests waved down vehicles, directing them into the gleaming new tunnel.

As drivers cautiously inched forward, a voice message played over the speakers: "Welcome to the tunnel. Drive safe. Have a good journey."On Thursday, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) began trial runs on a new tunnel connecting Dwarka Expressway to Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport and NH-48. The trial, scheduled between 12pm and 3pm, aims to ease congestion on Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway and provide a faster route for commuters travelling between Gurgaon, Dwarka and the airport.

The smooth tarmac stretched out ahead, with the speed limit for four-wheelers raised to 80kmph. Inside the tunnel, the walls were an explosion of colour, with murals depicting the culture of several states like Punjab, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Manipur, apart from Delhi. There were also depictions of the Indian Parliament, as well as murals of Mahatma Gandhi and other historical figures.The new link is the longest and widest urban road tunnel in India, according to officials.

The 5.1km tunnel comprises two segments -- a main 3.6km, eight-lane tunnel connecting Dwarka Expressway to IGI airport, and a 1.5km, two-lane tunnel linking Dwarka Expressway to NH-48 towards Gurgaon.An NHAI official said all electrical, mechanical and civil works related to the tunnel have been completed. "Once the trial -- expected to last at least three days -- is over, the inauguration will take place soon," he added.Traffic police also expect some respite on NH-48 after the tunnel is opened to the public. DCP, New Delhi range, Rajeev Kumar, said, "For those going from Delhi to Gurgaon, the new tunnel will provide relief in traffic. It will be an alternative route to the existing one, especially for nearby residents. Further, if people are coming from Jaipur, Sohna or Southern Peripheral Road, they could use the new tunnel via Dwarka Expressway for a faster, smoother ride to the airport.

"The project is part of Phase 4 of the Rs 9,000-crore, 29km-long Dwarka Expressway, which runs from Mahipalpur in Delhi to Kherki Daula in Gurgaon. Of the total stretch, 18.9km fall in Haryana and 10.1km in the national capital. Once operational, the tunnel is expected to streamline travel between key areas, such as Gurgaon, Vasant Kunj, Dwarka and Alipur.