New Delhi: one more tunnel road to ease traffic congestion

The New Delhi government is planning to construct a tunnel road, about 4km long, to help reduce traffic congestion in the national capital. The Public Works Department (PWD) is currently working on a Detailed Project Report for this tunnel, which will run between Inderlok and Kashmere Gate Inter State Bus Terminal. This project aims to create a fast-moving corridor connecting North Delhi to Central Delhi and to improve travel efficiency in one of the city's busiest areas.

It is mentioned that the decision to build this tunnel is part of a larger plan to upgrade the city’s road infrastructure and address long-standing traffic problems in North Delhi. Once completed, the tunnel is expected to be a major relief for commuters that travel from North and Northwest Delhi, as well as people that come from Haryana. The new corridor will offer a direct and faster route to Central Delhi, saving commuters up to 40% of their travel time.

Furthermore, the tunnel will be especially beneficial for vehicles entering Delhi from places like Sonipat, Rohtak, and the Urban Extension Road (UER). It is also expected to reduce traffic bottlenecks at several key points along the busy routes of the capital. Currently, Delhi has only one operational tunnel road, which is 1.3km long and was built as part of the Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor.

In addition to this, another tunnel road project is planned is planned to connect the Dwarka Expressway to the Indira Gandhi International Airport and is expected to be a 5.1km six-lane tunnel. This route will provide a high-speed connection between Dwarka, Gurgaon, Vasant Kunj, and the airport. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta mentioned that Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has already approved this project. Construction is expected to begin next year at an estimated cost of ₹3,500 crore, aiming to ensure smoother traffic movement between Delhi and the National Capital Region, especially Gurgaon.