Delhi’s AIIMS-Mahipalpur Signal-Free Corridor to Transform City Traffic

The Central Government has approved a *Rs 5,000 crore* infrastructure project aimed at decongesting Delhi’s traffic and improving connectivity between South Delhi and Indira Gandhi International Airport. The *20-km signal-free elevated corridor* will link AIIMS to Mahipalpur, providing seamless transit to Gurgaon and Faridabad.  

Project Overview  

- The corridor will begin at AIIMS and extend through Ring Road before reaching Nelson Mandela Marg in Vasant Kunj  
- A *5-km tunnel* will connect Nelson Mandela Marg to the Dwarka Expressway and Airport Expressway, ensuring uninterrupted travel  
- The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invited bids for a *detailed project report (DPR)* to finalize construction plans  
- The project is part of a *Rs 24,000 crore* infrastructure initiative, including upgrades to Kalindi Kunj and Mehrauli roads  

Strategic Importance and Traffic Relief  

Delhi’s existing road network, including *NH-48 and the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, faces severe congestion during peak hours. The new corridor will act as a **parallel transit route, diverting traffic from Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, Ring Road, and Outer Ring Road. Officials estimate that travel time between South Delhi and IGI Airport will be reduced to **just 20 minutes*.  

Future Prospects  

The AIIMS-Mahipalpur corridor is expected to *ease bottlenecks* and improve connectivity for commuters traveling between Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon. The feasibility study will determine whether segments will be fully elevated or include underground tunnels, ensuring minimal disruption to existing metro lines and infrastructure.  

Sources: Republic World, News18, Indian Express.