Kota (Rajasthan) [India], June 26 (ANI): The Mukundra tunnel, a key engineering feat on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, is nearing completion, with approximately 82 percent of the work completed, officials said. The tunnel, which cuts through the Mukundra Hills in Rajasthan near Kota, is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025.
Spanning nearly 5 kilometres in length and eight lanes in width, the Mukundra tunnel is India’s first four-lane double-tube tunnel, featuring two separate tubes, each accommodating four lanes. At 21 metres wide, it holds the distinction of being the widest tunnel in the country, setting a new benchmark in Indian infrastructure.
The tunnel is located within the Mukundra Hills National Park, an eco-sensitive zone known for its dense forests, rugged terrain, and diverse wildlife. The location presented significant environmental and technical challenges, but the project has made notable progress while maintaining ecological balance.
Pradeep Attri, Regional Officer of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Jaipur, explained, “This 12-kilometre stretch was one of the most challenging sections of the entire Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. It falls within the buffer zone of the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to highly diversified flora and fauna. During both construction and post-construction operations, we had to be extremely cautious to ensure the natural habitat of the animals could coexist with the highway.”
He said the NHAI worked closely with the Wildlife Institute of India and followed directives from the Ministry of Environment and Forests to ensure wildlife safety. As part of the mitigation strategy, the team constructed five dedicated wildlife overpasses, each 500 metres long, allowing uninterrupted animal movement across the expressway.
“Where we are standing right now, it’s hard to believe, but the eight-lane expressway actually runs below us,” Attri said while speaking to ANI. “This entire structure above is an overpass exclusively built for animal movement, carefully maintaining the natural contour of the landscape.”
Attri highlighted the importance of adhering to stringent environmental regulations. “The safety of the wildlife and the natural habitat was very important. We had stringent conditions from the Ministry of Environment. The tunnel construction was planned in a way that vehicles would pass beneath critical ecological zones with minimal disruption.”
With 82 percent of the construction completed, the Mukundra tunnel is on track for a December 2025 deadline. Once completed, it will be a critical link in the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, significantly enhancing connectivity and reducing travel time between India’s national capital and its financial hub, while setting new standards for eco-conscious infrastructure. (ANI)
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