NHAI plans a new elevated corridor to ease traffic to IGI Airport and Gurugram
In a significant infrastructure push aimed at tackling Delhi’s growing traffic congestion, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has greenlit the development of a new elevated corridor connecting Vasant Kunj’s Nelson Mandela Marg to the Gurugram-Faridabad Road. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been assigned the task of executing the project.
Objective: Improved Access to IGI Airport and Gurugram
The proposed corridor, expected to stretch between 25 to 30 kilometres, is designed to streamline travel to Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and reduce congestion on the heavily used Delhi-Gurugram Expressway (NH-8). The project is in the planning phase, with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) currently under preparation. Officials have indicated that the alignment of the elevated road will be finalised once the DPR is complete, after which the tendering process is set to begin.
Structural Features and Connectivity Enhancements
The corridor will include multiple tunnels and underpasses, enhancing uninterrupted vehicular movement. NHAI is also considering a tunnel connecting Nelson Mandela Marg to the Shiv Murti Interchange to further ease traffic flow. This initiative is expected to particularly benefit commuters from East and South Delhi, especially those using the Barapullah flyover, by providing a more direct and congestion-free route to the airport.
A Revised Approach After Earlier Setbacks
This plan follows an earlier, unfulfilled proposal by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to construct an elevated road from INA to the Mahipalpur bypass. That initiative did not materialise. In response, the central and Delhi governments have now placed the project in the hands of NHAI, signalling a renewed commitment to mitigating Delhi’s chronic traffic woes.
Expert Opinions and Cost Considerations
Experts have cautioned against potential delays, citing worsening congestion on the ring road and NH-8, particularly the stretch from Dhaula Kuan to Gurugram. They suggest that incorporating tunnels could help reduce the need for extensive land acquisition and limit disruptions on major traffic corridors.
The original proposal from INA to Mahipalpur was estimated at Rs. 4500 crore. Given the increased scope of the current plan, the overall expenditure is expected to rise significantly.
Looking Ahead
As NHAI gears up to complete the DPR and launch the tendering process, the proposed elevated corridor is being viewed as a crucial step towards creating a smoother, more efficient transportation network linking the capital with key regional hubs. Once completed, the project is expected to provide substantial relief to thousands of daily commuters and air travellers.
