Is the 5.1 km Dwarka Expressway tunnel open for trial run? Check timings and vehicle restrictions near IGI Airport & NH-48?
The 5.1 km Dwarka Expressway tunnel is now open for trial run. It connects Dwarka Expressway to IGI Airport and NH-48. The trial run is allowed from 12 PM to 3 PM. Only vehicles up to 4.5 meters are permitted. Read on to know more.

Dwarka Expressway: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has officially launched the trial run of the 5.1 km Dwarka Expressway tunnel, which is expected to ease traffic congestion on the busy Delhi-Gurugram route, especially near IGI Airport and National Highway 48 (NH-48).
Dwarka Expressway Tunnel Route and Connectivity
The strategically constructed Dwarka Expressway tunnel features two key sections:
- A 3.6 km eight-lane tunnel that directly links Dwarka Expressway to IGI Airport
- A 1.5 km two-lane tunnel that connects the expressway to NH-48 towards Gurugram
This infrastructure development is a part of the fourth phase of the Dwarka Expressway project, which spans 29 km from Mahipalpur in Delhi to Kherki Daula in Gurugram.
Trial Run Timings for Dwarka Expressway Tunnel
The trial run is currently open daily from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. These hours are selected to manage and assess peak afternoon traffic movement in the area. During this period, NHAI will monitor traffic flow, emergency response times, and tunnel efficiency to prepare for the full-scale launch.
Vehicle Restrictions in Dwarka Expressway Tunnel Near IGI Airport
Not all vehicles are allowed during the trial phase. According to NHAI guidelines:
- Permitted Vehicles: Four-wheelers and other vehicles up to 4.5 meters in height.
- Restricted Vehicles: Two-wheelers, Three-wheelers, Vehicles carrying flammable or hazardous materials like oil tankers.
These rules are in place to ensure safety during the initial testing phase.
Dwarka Expressway Tunnel: Safety Measures and Smart Features
The tunnel is equipped with modern safety features including:
- CCTV surveillance for round-the-clock monitoring.
- Emergency exits and a dedicated control room for real-time incident response.
These features ensure safe and efficient travel for commuters between Delhi, Gurugram, Manesar, Sohna, and Jaipur.
How Will the Dwarka Expressway Tunnel Benefit Daily Commuters?
The new Dwarka Expressway tunnel is expected to:
- Reduce travel time between Delhi and Gurugram.
- Ease traffic congestion on NH-48 and near IGI Airport Terminal 3.
- Improve airport connectivity from Dwarka, Yashobhumi, and surrounding NCR areas.
- Divert surface traffic for smoother inter-city mobility.
When Will the Dwarka Expressway Tunnel Fully Open?
If the trial phase proceeds smoothly, the tunnel is expected to be fully operational by June 5, 2025 (as per NDTV). Once open, it will become one of the most important routes in Delhi NCR¡¯s road transport network.
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