Delhi’s 3500 Crore Shiv Murti–Nelson Mandela Road Tunnel to Ease Mahipalpur Congestion by 2026

In a major push to ease chronic congestion near Mahipalpur and boost connectivity to Vasant Kunj, Delhi’s upcoming 5 km tunnel project linking the Dwarka Expressway (near Shiv Murti) to Nelson Mandela Road has secured key clearances, paving the way for construction to begin in early 2026.

Planned by NHAI at an estimated cost of around ₹3,500 crore, the project will feature two parallel tubes, each carrying three lanes of traffic, aimed at streamlining travel between South Delhi, Dwarka, and Gurgaon. The tunnel is part of a broader ₹24,000 crore package designed to transform NCR’s traffic network.

To minimize surface disruption, the tunnel will be bored using a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)—a move welcomed by planners and environmentalists alike. Nevertheless, the plan includes the felling and transplantation of around 417 trees in the Southern Ridge, with NHAI committed to planting over 4,000 saplings as compensation.

Meanwhile, work has already progressed on nearby stretches of the Dwarka Expressway, including the tunnel section connecting Shiv Murti and Mahipalpur, which has entered the trial phase and is expected to ease pressure on NH-48 near IGI Airport.

Once operational, the Shiv Murti–Nelson Mandela Road tunnel is set to slash commute times, significantly reduce congestion at Mahipalpur, and improve last-mile connectivity to Vasant Kunj, the airport, and Gurgaon.