Dwarka Expressway-Airport Tunnel Trial Run Begins: A Game-Changer for Delhi-NCR Commuters

June 02, 2025 Admin

A trial run of the Dwarka Expressway-airport tunnel was conducted recently which is expected to greatly benefit those who travel daily between Delhi and Gurugram. The purpose of this strategic infrastructure initiative is to fix continuous traffic problems, boost access to the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) and improve the travel experience everywhere in Delhi-NCR.

Tunnel Trial Run Commences: A Step Toward Smooth Commutes

On Friday, the trial run of the tunnel and underpasses along the Dwarka Expressway section in Delhi started under the supervision of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The tunnel links Dwarka Expressway and the IGI Airport, making travel between the two much quicker for users.

Trial runs are set up daily from noon until 3 pm to address the afternoon rush hour. With this gradual opening, authorities are able to watch and direct traffic smoothly and safely.

Tunnel Design and Connectivity: Two Key Segments

There are two important sections in the tunnel built for different commuter routes:

Main Tunnel: Covering 3.6 km, it has eight lanes that join the Dwarka Expressway with the airport, decreasing the travel time by a lot.
Secondary Tunnel: A 1.5 kilometer, two-lane tunnel links the expressway to NH-48 going to Gurugram, making it easier for cars and trucks to reach Manesar, Sohna and Jaipur.

By using these tunnels, traffic congestion will be much reduced on the Delhi-Gurugram section of NH-48 which is very busy.

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Improved Access for Multiple Routes

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has pointed out that this new section includes a shallow tunnel connecting Dwarka/Yashobhumi to the airport through dedicated airport underpasses. Commuters are able to use the shallow tunnel and a right-turn underpass to travel from Dwarka/Yashobhumi towards Gurugram.

Besides, the use of airport underpasses and right-turn underpass allows smooth travel from Terminal 3 to Gurugram via Sirhaul. By creating new routes, traffic on surface roads should decrease, making it easier and smoother to travel.

Safety and Monitoring: Advanced Features in Place

Besides being an engineering marvel, the tunnel is also a strong example of modern safety standards. Real-time monitoring of cars on the roads is made possible by cutting-edge CCTV cameras. The control room is responsible for overseeing the plant, so any emergencies can be handled fast.

Emergency exits are placed carefully in the tunnel so that commuters remain safe during every journey. Thanks to these features and timed trials, NHAI can ensure safety as they study traffic patterns and adapt the tunnel to work well with Delhi’s other transport options.

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Vehicle Regulations: What You Need to Know

To maintain safety and steady traffic, some rules are set during the trial phase:

Vehicles must not exceed 4.5 meters in height.
Vehicles such as two-wheelers and three-wheelers cannot ride on the highway.
Vehicles carrying flammable materials, including oil tankers, are barred from entering the tunnel and underpasses.

These rules aim to ensure safety and efficiency because tunnels are long and closed spaces.

Future Outlook: Full Opening Expected Soon

The tunnel will open to full traffic on June 5, after the trial period is completed. With the tunnel opening, thousands of commuters will find it easier to travel, freeing congestion on surface roads and making trips much shorter.

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The Bigger Picture: Dwarka Expressway Project

The Dwarka Expressway project is the bigger plan and this tunnel is part of it. The 29 km-long highway was built at a cost of Rs 9,000 crore. The expressway starts in Mahipalpur in Delhi and ends in Kherki Daula in Gurugram. Delhi is home to 10.1 km of the expressway and the rest of the 18.9 km is in Haryana. Improving connectivity, relieving NH-48 traffic jams and aiding urban development were the main reasons why the Dwarka Expressway was planned.

Conclusion

The trial of the Dwarka Expressway-airport tunnel is a big achievement for those trying to upgrade transport infrastructure in Delhi-NCR. Because of its smart planning, modern features and safe structure, this tunnel is expected to reduce stress from busy roads, improve regional interaction and make reaching the IGI Airport easier. As the trial ends and the tunnel is fully open, people will experience more efficient travel in one of the country’s biggest cities.