The Dwarka Road Tunnel project has received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), marking a major infrastructure development for the National Capital Region. Announced by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on 25 July 2026, the project will be implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The 8.1-km, six-lane corridor will be developed at an estimated cost of ₹6,969.67 crore on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) under the NH(O) Scheme. It will connect the Shiv Murti Interchange on the Dwarka Expressway (NH-248BB) with Nelson Mandela Marg in Vasant Kunj.
The new corridor is designed to provide a high-speed, access-controlled route between West Delhi and South Delhi. It is expected to improve connectivity for traffic coming from Gurugram, Dwarka, Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport) and West Delhi. One of the project’s key features is a 3.14-km twin-tube tunnel, including a 1.98-km section beneath the Southern Ridge, allowing the corridor to pass through one of Delhi’s ecologically sensitive areas while preserving the landscape.
Dwarka Road Tunnel to Improve Delhi Connectivity
According to the government, the Dwarka Road Tunnel will provide a direct and uninterrupted connection between the Dwarka Expressway and South Delhi. The corridor is expected to reduce dependence on congested routes, including Dhaula Kuan–IGI Airport–Mahipalpur, Chhatarpur–Mahipalpur, and Rangpuri. By improving traffic movement, the project aims to reduce travel delays and make daily commuting faster, safer and more reliable for residents, airport passengers and commercial vehicles.
The corridor will also strengthen transport links between Delhi and Gurugram, improving access to residential neighbourhoods, commercial centres, institutional hubs and the Indira Gandhi International Airport. In addition, the project will integrate with NHAI’s proposed AIIMS–Mahipalpur Elevated Corridor, which is planned to connect the tunnel with the Barapullah Elevated Road. This combined network is expected to provide seamless east-west connectivity across the city while improving travel towards East Delhi, Ghaziabad and Noida.
The Dwarka Road Tunnel is also expected to improve access to several of Delhi’s major tourist and cultural destinations. Visitors travelling from the airport and the Dwarka Expressway will have improved connectivity to Qutub Minar, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Hauz Khas Heritage Complex, Humayun’s Tomb, Lodhi Garden and Chhatarpur Temple. The corridor will also support smoother travel to Bharat Mandapam, India Gate and other venues that host international conferences, exhibitions and cultural events. Improved road connectivity is expected to support Delhi’s hospitality, tourism and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) ecosystem by reducing congestion around the airport corridor and other major traffic bottlenecks.
The project will also strengthen connectivity between the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi’s diplomatic enclave, business districts, convention centres and institutional hubs. According to the government, quicker and more predictable travel will benefit international delegates, business travellers and investors arriving in the capital. A significant feature of the project is its environmentally sensitive design. The 3.14-km twin-tube tunnel, including the 1.98-km stretch beneath the Southern Ridge, has been planned to minimise surface disruption while preserving Delhi’s green cover. The government said the Dwarka Road Tunnel is intended to improve connectivity, reduce congestion and integrate key transport corridors, supporting urban mobility and the continued development of the National Capital Region.
