Union minister Piyush Goyal terms Pragati Maidan Tunnel as 'engineering marvel'

"This corridor is expected to bring down around 16,000 ton CO2 and save the environment," Goyal said.

Union minister of commerce and industry Piyush Goyal termed Pragati Maidan Tunnel as an "engineering marvel" and is a "first-of-its-kind underground corridor" in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) inaugurates the Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor project in the presence of Union minister Piyush Goyal (left), at Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi on June 19, 2022.  (ANI Photo)

While speaking at the inauguration of the main tunnel and five underpasses of the Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor Project, he termed it "a first of its kind underground Corridor in the country and is an engineering marvel."

"This corridor is expected to bring down around 16,000 ton CO2 and save the environment," he said.

Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the main tunnel and five underpasses of the Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor Project in New Delhi.

According to Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Integrated Transit Corridor project is an integral part of the Pragati Maidan Redevelopment Project.

The Integrated Transit Corridor project has been built at a cost of more than ₹920 crore, entirely funded by the central government.

It is aimed to provide hassle-free and smooth access to the new world-class exhibition and convention centre being developed at Pragati Maidan, thereby facilitating easy participation of exhibitors and visitors in the programmes being held at Pragati Maidan, said the PMO release.

Further, it will ensure hassle-free vehicular movement, helping save time and cost of commuters in a big way. It is part of the overarching vision of the government to ensure ease of living for people through transforming urban infrastructure.

The main tunnel connects Ring Road with India Gate via Purana Qila Road passing through Pragati Maidan. The six-lane divided tunnel has multiple purposes, including access to the huge basement parking of Pragati Maidan. A unique component of the Tunnel is that two cross tunnels below the main tunnel road have been constructed in order to facilitate the movement of the traffic from either side of the parking lot.

It is equipped with the latest global standard facilities for smooth movement of traffic such as smart fire management, modern ventilation and automated drainage, digitally controlled CCTV and a public announcement system inside the tunnel. This long-awaited Tunnel will serve as an alternative route to Bhairon Marg, which is running much beyond its carrying capacity and is expected to take more than half of the traffic load of Bhairon Marg.

Along with the tunnel, there will be six underpasses - four on Mathura Road, one on Bhairon Marg and one at the intersection of Ring Road and Bhairon Marg.