The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has officially commenced trial runs for the 5.1-kilometre Dwarka Expressway tunnel, a pivotal infrastructure component poised to significantly alleviate traffic congestion along the bustling Delhi-Gurugram corridor.
This strategic development, particularly aimed at decongesting routes near the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and National Highway 48 (NH-48), signals a crucial step towards fostering more sustainable and efficient urban mobility in the National Capital Region (NCR). The meticulously designed Dwarka Expressway tunnel comprises two integral sections. A sprawling 3.6-kilometre, eight-lane segment directly links the Dwarka Expressway to IGI Airport, offering a seamless and expedited route for air travellers. Complementing this, a 1.5-kilometre, two-lane tunnel connects the expressway to NH-48 towards Gurugram, creating a vital bypass for inter-city traffic. This infrastructure development forms a key part of the fourth phase of the larger 29-kilometre Dwarka Expressway project, which stretches from Mahipalpur in Delhi to Kherki Daula in Gurugram, envisioning a comprehensive solution to the region’s mounting traffic challenges.
The ongoing trial run is scheduled daily from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. These specific timings have been chosen to meticulously assess peak afternoon traffic movement within the tunnel. During this critical phase, NHAI teams are actively monitoring traffic flow, evaluating emergency response times, and gauging the overall efficiency of the tunnel’s systems. This rigorous assessment aims to ensure optimal performance and safety protocols are in place before the facility is opened for full-scale public use.
Adhering to strict safety protocols, vehicle access during the trial phase is restricted. Only four-wheelers and other vehicles with a height of up to 4.5 metres are currently permitted inside the tunnel. Notably, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and vehicles transporting flammable or hazardous materials such as oil tankers are explicitly prohibited. These stringent guidelines are crucial for maintaining safety standards during the initial testing period and ensuring the integrity of the tunnel’s sophisticated infrastructure.
The Dwarka Expressway tunnel is equipped with a suite of modern safety features designed to ensure secure and efficient travel. These include comprehensive CCTV surveillance for round-the-clock monitoring, strategically placed emergency exits, and a dedicated control room capable of real-time incident response. Such intelligent transport system features are vital for enhancing the overall commuter experience and mitigating potential risks, thereby fostering a safer environment for those travelling between Delhi, Gurugram, Manesar, Sohna, and Jaipur.
The anticipated full operationalisation of the tunnel, projected by June 5, 2025, if the trial phase proceeds without hitches, promises transformative benefits for daily commuters. It is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and Gurugram, considerably ease traffic congestion on NH-48 and around IGI Airport Terminal 3, and substantially improve airport connectivity from key areas like Dwarka, Yashobhumi, and other surrounding NCR regions. By diverting surface traffic, the tunnel will contribute to smoother inter-city mobility, promoting a more streamlined and eco-friendly transportation network. Once fully open, this tunnel is poised to become one of the most critical arterial routes in Delhi NCR’s road transport network, underpinning the region’s economic dynamism and facilitating a more equitable urban lifestyle.
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