New Delhi: The NHAI has commenced trial operations of a newly constructed shallow tunnel and associated underpasses along the Delhi stretch of the Dwarka Expressway from May 29.

The trial will be conducted daily from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, aimed at easing vehicular congestion on the busy Delhi–Gurugram section of NH-48.

The tunnel connects Dwarka and the Yashobhoomi convention centre to the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and further toward Gurugram (Sirhaul) through a series of right-turn underpasses. Motorists travelling from Terminal 3 of IGI Airport to Gurugram will also benefit from the new route.

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The 2.5-km tunnel, part of the Rs 9,000-crore Dwarka Expressway project, has been built with advanced engineering features including CCTV surveillance, a dedicated control room, emergency exits, and a height restriction of 4.5 metres. Two-wheelers, three-wheelers, tractors, and vehicles carrying flammable substances will not be allowed during the trial.

Authorities, including the Delhi and Gurgaon traffic police, will monitor the trial phase to evaluate safety and traffic flow for future full-day operations. The tunnel is expected to be fully operational by June 5. Once open, the expressway and tunnel will significantly cut travel time to IGI Airport from areas like Gurugram, Manesar, Sohna, and Jaipur.

The project includes 18.9 km of road in Gurugram and 10.1 km in Delhi, with a total of 23 km of elevated corridors and a 4-km tunnel. It is expected to improve connectivity between Delhi, Gurugram, and northern cities like Sonipat, Panipat, and Chandigarh, while reducing pressure on NH-48.