Delhi to Dig 5 km Signal‑Free Tunnel from Shiv Murti to Nelson Mandela Road

New Delhi is set to get a major traffic boost with a 5‑kilometre twin‑tube tunnel connecting Shiv Murti (Mahipalpur) on the Dwarka Expressway to Nelson Mandela Road in Vasant Kunj. Approved by the Centre and spearheaded by Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, the ₹3,500 crore tunnel is part of a larger ₹24,000 crore infrastructure push aimed at easing congestion and improving air quality across the city and NCR.

Designed as a signal‑free corridor, the tunnel will have two separate tubes—each with three lanes—and will be equipped with advanced safety and support systems such as ventilation, fire protection, CCTV, control rooms, emergency exits, and cross‑passages. Targeted for launch in early 2026, this strategic lane aims to significantly reduce bottlenecks along Nelson Mandela Road, Mahipalpur, Rangpuri, Dhaula Kuan, Rao Tula Ram Marg, and NH‑48.

In the long run, the tunnel will strengthen connectivity between South Delhi, Dwarka, Gurgaon, and major highways like NE‑5, NH‑44, NH‑10, NH‑48, and NH‑709B via the Urban Extension Road and Dwarka Expressway. Officials say this marks the “foundation for the Delhi of the future,” offering commuters a smoother, cleaner, and faster travel experience.