Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Sunday that the central government has approved infrastructure projects totalling Rs 240 billion to tackle traffic congestion and pollution across the capital and surrounding areas.

Among the major projects is a Rs 35 billion underground tunnel linking Shiv Murti–Mahipalpur on the Dwarka Expressway with Nelson Mandela Road in Vasant Kunj. The five-kilometre tunnel, to be executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), will feature two underground tubes with three lanes each, creating a six-lane, signal-free corridor between South Delhi, Dwarka, and Gurugram.

Gupta confirmed the project was finalised in a recent meeting with Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, with construction expected to commence early next year.

Equipped with advanced electro-mechanical systems, fire safety mechanisms, CCTV surveillance, emergency exits, and cross-passages, the tunnel is designed to enhance commuter safety and operational efficiency.

Once completed, the corridor is expected to decongest major bottlenecks including Rangpuri, Rao Tula Ram Marg, Dhaula Kuan, and NH-48. It will also significantly improve access between Central and East Delhi and key expressways such as the Delhi Expressway (NE-5), NH-44, NH-10, NH-709B (Delhi-Dehradun), and the Delhi-Jaipur Highway.

Calling the initiative “the foundation for the Delhi of the future,” CM Gupta said the tunnel would be a transformative step in reshaping the city’s infrastructure and providing lasting relief to millions of commuters.