New Delhi — In a welcome move for the ever-honking, ever-hustling commuters of Delhi and Gurugram, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has rolled out trial runs of its much-anticipated underpasses and shallow tunnel on the Delhi side of the Dwarka Expressway. The objective? To unclog the infamous Delhi-Gurugram stretch of NH48 without resorting to aerial cable cars or time travel.
From 29th May onwards, trial runs will take place daily from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, allowing authorities to observe traffic behavior, infrastructure performance, and whether drivers can resist the temptation of testing the tunnel’s echo with their horns.
The trial includes the Shallow Tunnel connecting Dwarka/Yashobhumi to the Airport, and a series of right-turn underpasses that promise to turn your hour-long crawl to Terminal 3 into a relatively civilized cruise. Heading toward Gurugram from Dwarka? There’s a route for that. Coming from Terminal 3 with dreams of Sirhaul? Covered. All without that soul-crushing left turn near the Mahipalpur bottleneck.
But hold your horsepower: two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and vehicles with flammable cargo (looking at you, oil tankers) will not be allowed into the tunnel — no exceptions. Maximum height is capped at 4.5 meters, so if your truck’s touching the clouds, stick to the scenic route.
Constructed with modern safety features like CCTV surveillance, emergency exits, and a dedicated control room, this subterranean savior is built for both speed and security. The tunnel is not just a road — it’s a statement: “You shall not jam.”
The full opening is scheduled for 5th June 2025, and officials are optimistic it’ll soon ease pressure on NH48 and help commuters zip between Gurugram, Dwarka, Vasant Kunj, and IGI Airport without the usual heartbreak.
And in case you’re wondering — no, teleportation isn’t here yet. But this tunnel might just be the next best thing.
