The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has commenced trial operations of newly constructed underpasses and a tunnel on the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway to decongest Delhi-Gurugram section of NH-48, officials said on Wednesday . The trial runs are scheduled daily from 12 pm to 3 pm and will start from May 29.
The infrastructure undergoing trial includes a shallow tunnel and multiple underpasses strategically built to create direct links between Dwarka, Yashobhoomi, Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and Gurugram (towards Sirhaul). As per the NHAI officials, the new connectivity is designed to reduce pressure on surface roads and streamline vehicular movement across the Capital and adjoining areas.
As part of the trial, commuters can now use the shallow tunnel to travel from Dwarka or Yashobhoomi directly to the airport via the airport underpasses and vice versa. Additionally, those traveling from Dwarka/Yashobhoomi towards Gurugram will have access through the shallow tunnel combined with a right-turn underpass. Similarly, a combination of the airport underpasses and the right-turn underpass will facilitate travel from Terminal 3 of the airport towards Gurugram.
The NHAI has emphasised that the trial run is essential for assessing real-time traffic movement, safety protocols and the effectiveness of the infrastructure before the full operational launch scheduled for June 5, 2025. Officials will closely monitor vehicle flow, tunnel efficiency and emergency response systems during this period to ensure seamless integration with Delhi’s broader transport network.
The tunnel is engineered with state-of-the-art safety measures, including 24x7 CCTV surveillance, a dedicated control room for emergency monitoring, and strategically placed emergency exits. However, vehicles over 4.5 meters in height and slow-moving vehicles such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers and those carrying hazardous materials (like oil tankers) are strictly prohibited from entering the tunnel and underpasses.
NHAI said the implementation of this infrastructure is expected to significantly benefit thousands of daily commuters. The tunnel’s strategic positioning not only enhances direct access to IGI Airport but also improves connectivity between Delhi, Gurugram and major routes leading to northern cities such as Sonipat, Panipat and Chandigarh. The smoother transit will also link critical urban centers like Vasant Kunj, Alipur and Faridabad, thereby integrating multiple transport corridors around Delhi-NCR.
Once fully operational, the shallow tunnel and underpasses will function as vital alternate routes for airport connectivity, ultimately boosting logistical efficiency and reducing travel time. The project represents NHAI’s ongoing efforts to implement smart infrastructure solutions that address the region’s growing transportation demands and urban development challenges.