Delhi traffic congestion infrastructure projects: The Union government is working on a proposal to construct a 5-km-long underground tunnel in Delhi. This six-lane tunnel will connect Shiv Murti–Mahipalpur to Nelson Mandela Road in Vasant Kunj. The move aims at de-congesting the national capital and its surrounding areas.
Shiv Murti Mahipalpur-Nelson Mandela Road Tunnel Latest Update
Currently, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed tunnel connecting Shiv Murti (Mahipalpur) to Nelson Mandela Marg in Delhi. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed the development in a written statement in the Lok Sabha on August 7.
“For de-congestion of Delhi, especially the Dhaula Kuan- Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport-Gurugram section of NH-48, the work of preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been taken up for the construction of tunnel connecting Shiv Murti (Mahipalpur) to Nelson Mandela Marg in Delhi. It would be connected with NH-48 and Dwarka Expressway through an interchange,” he noted.
Gakdari further said that the decisions of investment and implementation of the project will be taken based on outcome of DPR, fulfillment of the criteria, inter-se priority and synergy with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
The minister was responding to questions raised by BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, who sought details on the key objectives behind the proposed five-kilometre tunnel connecting Shiv Murti–Mahipalpur to Nelson Mandela Road in Vasant Kunj, South Delhi. He also asked whether the corridor is being integrated with major expressways such as the Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road-II to enhance multi-directional urban connectivity.
Significance of Shiv Murti Mahipalpur-Nelson Mandela Road Tunnel
This proposed underground tunnel will extend Nelson Mandela Marg towards Gurgaon and Dwarka, creating seamless integration between NH-8 and the Dwarka Expressway via a crucial interchange near Shiv Murti.
The greenfield alignment is designed to strengthen connectivity between Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road (UER-2), provide alternate access to IGI Airport (reducing reliance on NH-48), and alleviate congestion on NH-48 and surrounding arterial corridors.
Story continues below this ad
The tunnel will pass through key localities in New Delhi and South Delhi, significantly enhancing freight and passenger movement by connecting major logistics hubs and diverting commercial vehicles, thereby reducing urban travel time and congestion.
