Tunnel to IGI Airport Opens for Trial Run

The trial run of a new tunnel connecting the Dwarka Expressway to IGI Airport has started, marking a big step forward for traffic improvement in the Delhi-NCR region. This 5.1 km tunnel is expected to make airport travel faster and easier, especially for people coming from Gurgaon.

Key Details:

Tunnel length: 5.1 km (includes 3.6 km of 8-lane main tunnel and 1.5 km of 2-lane link road)

Route: From Dwarka Expressway (near Shiv Murti) to Terminal 3 of IGI Airport

This is the first direct tunnel route of its kind in India that connects a major expressway straight to an airport terminal, avoiding usual traffic jams near Mahipalpur and NH-48.

The trial began on May 30, 2025. During the test, more than 60,000 vehicles passed through the tunnel in just three hours, showing how useful it could be for daily traffic.

Travel time from Gurgaon to the airport often takes 30–45 minutes during busy hours. With this tunnel, it could be reduced to just 10–15 minutes.

An NHAI official said:

“This tunnel will offer a smooth and fast ride to the airport, helping reduce traffic on other routes and improving overall travel time.”

Who Will Benefit:

• Daily travelers to the airport
• Taxi drivers and delivery vehicles
• Residents along Dwarka Expressway
• Emergency services needing faster airport access

What’s Coming Next:

• Final safety reviews
• Public opening date announcement
• Road signs and route updates for smoother navigation
• This tunnel is expected to make airport travel in Delhi much faster, while also reducing traffic jams on the current routes.