Kota, Rajasthan: Travelers on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway can look forward to a faster and more scenic journey as a 4.9-kilometer tunnel under the Mukundra Tiger Reserve nears completion. The tunnel, featuring eight lanes, is expected to open to traffic by March 2026, significantly reducing travel time and congestion.
Tunnel Construction Progress
The twin-tube tunnel is being constructed beneath the tiger reserve, with both tubes on the Chechat side of Kota district now completed. The remaining section toward Gopalpura is in the final stages of construction and is expected to be finished within a month. The road surface is being laid, and installation of electrical panels, sensors, CCTV cameras, and lighting is in progress. NHAI Project Director Sandeep Agarwal confirmed that road surfacing has started and the monitoring systems are being installed simultaneously. The tunnel’s control rooms are in their finishing stage, ensuring comprehensive surveillance once operational.
Major Time-Saving Advantage
Once open, the tunnel will eliminate a 25-kilometer detour currently required for vehicles traveling from Gopalpura Interchange through Dara Valley toward Chechat. The bypass often experiences heavy traffic, causing delays. The tunnel will not only save distance but also reduce congestion on NH-52 in Dara Valley, improving travel efficiency for commuters and freight vehicles alike.
Construction Challenges
While progress on the Chechat side is rapid, work on the Gopalpura side is slower, with about 50 meters of tube still under construction. This section will also include road surfacing, sensors, and lighting, which may take another two to three months.
Once complete, this landmark infrastructure project will enhance connectivity between Delhi and Mumbai, while minimizing the environmental footprint by tunneling beneath the tiger reserve rather than disturbing the surface.
Discover more from SD NEWS agency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.