Shiv Murti-Nelson Mandela Tunnel Faces Environmental Concerns

06 Jan 2025 CW Team

Residents of South Delhi have raised concerns over the proposed tunnel between Shiv Murti interchange on NH-48 and Nelson Mandela Marg in Vasant Kunj, fearing it could harm the local forest, environment, and potentially damage houses in the area.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) presented these concerns in a report to the Union Environment Ministry, following public hearings conducted in September. The ministry will decide whether to grant environmental clearance for the project, with construction slated to begin in July 2025.

The tunnel, planned by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), will span 4.9 km underground and require the felling of around 417 trees.

The DPCC report addressed local residents' objections, assuring that a tunnel boring machine (TBM) will be used, which is unlikely to impact the surface or nearby houses. Proper safety checks will be conducted during construction to prevent damage to structures, the report stated.

Environmental management plans (EMP) will be implemented during construction to mitigate environmental damage, particularly from air pollution caused by ready mix plants. The DPCC also emphasised that the tunnel would help alleviate congestion in Mahipalpur and surrounding areas, particularly on NH-48, a major route to and from Delhi airport and surrounding markets.

The project has already received approval from Delhi’s Ridge Management Board, the Central Empowered Committee, and the Supreme Court.

Infrastructure Transport

10 Mar 2026

A B Infrabuild Secures Rs 630 mn NHAI EPC Order in Odisha

A B Infrabuild has secured an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for a project in Odisha valued at Rs 630 million (Rs 630 mn). The award forms part of the company's ongoing pursuit of highway and infrastructure assignments and follows its recent bidding activity in eastern India. The contract reflects continued public investment in road connectivity in the region and adds to the firm's announced contract wins. The contract will be recorded in the company's order book and disclosed in line with regulatory norms. The proj..

VMRDA To Focus On Revenue Generating Initiatives

Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority prepared an action plan under the leadership of Chairperson MV Pranav Gopal and Metropolitan Commissioner N Tej Bharath to strengthen the organisation's financial position. During a review meeting on ongoing development works on Monday, the chairperson and commissioner directed officials to emphasise the authority's revenues by initiating the auction of completed layouts and plots. The measures were framed to bolster internal resources and reduce dependence on external funding. Pranav Gopal reiterated that all projects must be completed w..

Southern Railway To Build Three-Metre Road At Vattavila

Southern Railway has agreed to construct a three-metre wide tarred pucca road along Vattavila Suresh Road in Thiruvananthapuram after protests by local residents and representations by the Nemom Action Council. The decision follows the takeover of part of the public road for line-doubling works near Nemom railway station. Railway officials told a land acquisition hearing that the road will be built on land under railway custody and may be handed to the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation for maintenance subject to formal procedures. Kerala government had earlier transferred the affected land to the..