Good News! Modern 8-Lane Tunnel on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Near Completion, Traffic to Flow Below Tiger Reserve

Significant progress has been reported on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, one of India’s largest infrastructure projects. The expressway will pass through a 4.8-kilometer underground tunnel beneath the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve in Kota district. Construction of this state-of-the-art tunnel is progressing rapidly, with traffic expected to start in one tube by March 2026.

Eight-Lane Tunnel with Advanced Safety Measures

The tunnel will feature eight lanes, ensuring smooth traffic movement. Sandeep Agrawal, Project Director of NHAI, stated that CCTV cameras and other safety measures have been installed throughout the tunnel. Once operational, the tunnel is expected to cut travel time between Delhi and Mumbai to around 12 hours, nearly half of the current duration.

Engineering Feat Beneath a 600-Foot Hill

Constructed beneath a 600-foot-high hill in the tiger reserve, the tunnel has been a significant engineering challenge. The project has taken nearly 4 years and 9 months to reach this stage. While the internal 4.8-kilometer stretch is complete, cemented structures at both ends are still under construction.

Wildlife Above, Traffic Below

The tunnel has been designed to ensure that wildlife movement above remains undisturbed, while traffic flows seamlessly below. On the Chechat side, a flyover connecting Chechat to NH-52 has also been built to facilitate local traffic.

End of the 20-Kilometer Detour

Traffic on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway began in 2024, but vehicles have had to take an extra 20-kilometer detour via Gopalpura Interchange due to the tunnel’s incomplete status. Once the tunnel is fully operational, this additional distance will be eliminated.

Relief from Traffic Jams

The incomplete tunnel has often caused traffic jams in the Darrah Valley area of the Mukundra Tiger Reserve. Its opening is expected to save travel time and provide long-term relief from congestion in this stretch, enhancing the overall driving experience on the expressway.