Space-saving marvel
No ribbon development
The way the expressway is designed prevents any new buildings or businesses from popping up along its path or side roads because you can't enter the expressway from those roads. Instead, you have to use specific sector roads that link to interchanges if you want to get onto the main expressway.
The 'shallow tunnel'
The part of the expressway near IGI airport in Delhi has a unique feature: an 8-lane tunnel stretching 3.6km long. This tunnel, known as a 'shallow tunnel,' doesn't require tunnel boring machines because it doesn't go deep underground. It was essential to build the tunnel because elevated structures are not allowed near the airport.
Blast-proof tunnel
The expressway connects directly to IGI’s Terminal 3 using a three-lane, 2.3km tunnel that connects from Mahipalpur to T3. A 500-meter part of this tunnel, the section closest to the airport, has blast proof designed.
Elevated efficiency
Dwarka Expressway is mostly a flyover. About three-fourths of its entire length of 28.5km is raised above ground level, leaving the surface road for city commuters. This setup completely separates expressway traffic from city traffic, unlike older highways in the capital and NCR.
Delays, development and NHAI takeover
Started in 2006 by the Haryana government, the Dwarka Expressway faced delays due to land acquisition issues and legal battles. During this time, new sectors were developed and lands were allocated, leading to the emergence of upscale housing. This increased the pressure on the government to fulfill its promise of connectivity and accommodate the growing population in New Gurgaon.
First 4-level interchanages
The expressway is designed for future traffic and includes the country's first 4-level interchanges at three spots: Shiv Murti, Yashobhoomi in Dwarka, and near IMT Manesar in Gurgaon. At Shiv Murti, there are tunnels and a flyover at different levels. Other locations feature elevated traffic levels, underpasses, and surface roads. The convention center at Yashobhoomi, India's largest, connects to the expressway via elevated roads and underpasses.
Will you have to pay toll?
The expressway has a provision for a 34-lane toll plaza on the Delhi-Gurgaon border. It remains to be seen if commuters will have to pay toll once the entire expressway becomes operational.