Delhi Set To Open UER II And Dwarka Expressway Sections
Delhi will see a transformative boost in its road network this Sunday with the launch of major sections of the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) and the Dwarka Expressway. Developed by the National Highways Authority of India, these high-capacity corridors promise to cut travel times, ease chronic congestion, and strengthen links between Delhi, Gurugram, and beyond. The projects, featuring advanced design elements, also align with sustainable mobility goals, marking a significant step towards a more connected and efficient NCR.
The inauguration will mark the opening of four packages of UER-II, linking Mahipalpur near IGI Airport with Alipur in North Delhi, and connecting further to NH-44. Also being launched are phases three and four of the Dwarka Expressway, covering 10.1 kilometres within Delhi. This section includes a 5.1-kilometre tunnel that provides a direct link to the airport and improved access to Gurugram.UER-II, originally conceived by the Delhi Development Authority as part of the city’s third ring road in the Master Plan, had been delayed for years due to land acquisition hurdles and encroachment issues. Following its reclassification as a National Highway, NHAI completed the 75.71-kilometre project in five packages at a cost of ₹6,445 crore. Of this, 54.21 kilometres lie within Delhi, with the remaining 21.50 kilometres in Haryana.
Once operational, UER-II will allow residents from Gurugram, West Delhi, and South Delhi to travel towards Sonipat, Panipat, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir without having to navigate bottlenecks like Dhaula Kuan or the city’s overcrowded ring roads. It is also expected to ease freight movement and improve last-mile connectivity to major logistics hubs, aligning with the region’s broader economic growth plans.The Delhi stretch of the Dwarka Expressway complements this vision by offering a high-speed link between Mahipalpur and Kherki Daula, bypassing the heavily congested NH-48. Its tunnel, one of the longest urban road tunnels in India, has been prepared for high-profile use with enhanced lighting, safety systems, and urban landscaping.
Urban planners note that while these projects focus on reducing congestion, they also present an opportunity for more sustainable city mobility. By diverting through-traffic away from residential areas, emissions from idling vehicles are expected to decline. The design includes better stormwater management, energy-efficient lighting, and safer lane segregation, reflecting a gradual shift towards eco-friendly transport infrastructure.
The opening of these routes comes at a strategic time, as Delhi faces growing vehicle numbers and rising air quality concerns. Officials believe that beyond immediate travel time benefits, the long-term impact will be felt in reduced fuel consumption, improved safety, and enhanced regional connectivity.With both corridors opening to public traffic after the launch, commuters across NCR are likely to experience tangible relief provided the projects are supported by continuous maintenance and sustainable traffic management measures.
