A major milestone on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is set to become operational on June 20, as India prepares to open its first-ever 8-lane tunnel beneath Rajasthan’s Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve near Kota.
The tunnel, considered one of the most awaited components of the mega Expressway, has been designed to facilitate the seamless flow of traffic while preserving wildlife. The underground passage will allow traffic movement to traverse the sensitive tiger reserve, without obstructing the animals' movement.
What's so Special about the Tunnel?
The 4.9-km twin-tube tunnel has been constructed as part of the Delhi-Vadodara link of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, construction for which had commenced in 2019, and is nearing completion and is expected to be opened to public use after all necessary safety approvals are obtained.
Unlike other highways which cut across forest lands, animals will have continued access to the reserve and unrestricted movement, with cars zipping under them.
Travel benefit to travellers:
The tunnelling will change the journey through Kota, where motorists pass along the undulating, circuitous routes in and around the Mukundra range.
Once operational, travellers can expect:
- Faster movement through the region
- Reduced travel time on hilly stretches
- Improved driving comfort and safety
- Better fuel efficiency
- Smoother traffic flow
The tunnel is expected to improve the connectivity of roads with the important destinations like Kota, Bundi, Ranthambore and various tourist spots within Rajasthan.
Corridor To Reduce Travel Time
The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is estimated to reduce travel time between the political and financial capitals of India while also facilitating better connectivity across the States of Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
With the completion of this whole corridor, the time required to travel by road from Delhi to Mumbai will be slashed to 12 hours, as against more than 24 hours.
A Tourism Boost For Rajasthan
While Kota is famous nationwide as a coaching hub, it is surrounded by many less explored places like the Chambal River, forts, palaces, stepwells, wildlife areas and ancient places. This would help the local economy by attracting more tourists to this region as well through the expressway.
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Infrastructure Meets Conservation
The opening of the Mukundra Hills tunnel is a reason for rejoicing for travellers and road trippers. It’s so much more than an infrastructure milestone. It represents protecting the environment while making travel convenient.
As per the notification put out by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) authorities the twin tunnels will be integrated with a sophisticated monitoring and safety system for ensuring smooth passage.
Travellers intending to use this route once launched may want to tune into traffic advisory notifications, as operating schedules are likely to be finalised, subject to the results of final checks and approvals.
More than just a shortcut for road trip fanatics, Mukundra Hills tunnel offers to take them on a journey through one of the nation's most technically advanced highway engineering projects, through one of the most ecologically sensitive wildlife tracts in Rajasthan.