Dwarka Expressway to IGI Airport Tunnel Trial: The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) commenced the trial run on the Delhi portion of the much-awaited Dwarka Expressway on Thursday. The trial run began on the tunnels and underpasses of the expressway. The tunnel, aimed at reducing traffic congestion on the Delhi-Gurugram section of National Highway 48 and providing a faster route, connects the expressway to Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi.
5.1 km Dwarka Expressway tunnel has two segments, a 3.6 km eight-lane segment which connects Dwarka Expressway to IGI airport, while a 1.5 km long two-lane tunnel links National Highway (NH) 48 to Dwarka Expressway.
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Currently, trial runs are scheduled between 12 pm and 3 PM to manage the peak afternoon traffic. Once the trial is completed successfully, the tunnels will be opened for public use as of June 5.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, a shallow tunnel connecting Dwarka/Yashobhumi with the Delhi Airport through airport underpasses has been opened for a trial run. Commuters travelling towards Gurugram from Dwarka/Yashobhumi can use the shallow tunnel and the right run underpass.
Apart from this, commuters going to Gurugram toward Sihaul from Terminal 3 of IGI airport can use the airport underpasses and the right turn underpass.
Once fully operational, the tunnel will benefit scores of commuters travelling between Delhi and Gurugram. For those heading to the airport from Manesar or Gurugram, this route offers a quicker, less congested alternative. Similarly, it is expected to ease two-way traffic between Dhaula Kuan and the Sirhaul border.