The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has begun constructing a tunnel on NH48 between Rajokri in South Delhi and Sarhaul in Haryana, leading to significant traffic disruptions for those traveling to Delhi or Indira Gandhi International Airport from Gurgaon. Motorists should prepare for extended travel times as both service lanes will be closed for approximately a month.
Gurgaon Traffic Police have advised drivers to consider alternative routes, including Dwarka Expressway, Aya Nagar Border, and Old Delhi Road. For those coming from Manesar, Rewari, Jaipur, Sohna, Farukhnagar, Jhajjar, and Gurgaon, the Dwarka Expressway is recommended.
Traffic on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway has nearly come to a standstill, with drivers experiencing delays of up to an hour just to cover the 2km stretch from Shankar Chowk to Dwarka Link Road. Congestion began as early as 3:30 pm on Tuesday, with internal roads in Udyog Vihar also severely impacted.
A Delhi Traffic Police officer acknowledged that the situation could worsen with the service lane closures. Traffic advisories have been issued for routes to Mahipalpur, Vasant Kunj, IGIA, and Dhaula Kuan, suggesting Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road via Aya Nagar Border, Old Gurgaon Road-Kapashera-Samalkha Road, and other alternatives. Travelers can also use the Delhi Metro's Airport Express Line from Dwarka Sector-21 station for trips to IGIA and New Delhi Railway Station.
Road safety expert Balraj Bhanot highlighted the increasing dangers due to the constant jams on NH48. "Commercial vehicles crowding into multiple lanes at the MCD toll plaza near Ambience Mall create significant safety risks," he noted.
Prince Singhal, founder of CADD (Community Against Drunken Driving), pointed out several issues. "Accidents are frequent due to the poorly managed congestion, and there are insufficient U-turns. Moreover, NHAI's delays in notifying about road closures exacerbate the problem," he said.
Jagriti Khurana, who left her office early to avoid traffic, still found herself stuck in the gridlock. "It took over an hour to cross the Delhi-Gurgaon border. The traffic was slow-moving, and lane discipline was poor. It's a growing nightmare," she lamented.
