India is making history with the opening of the first eight-lane road tunnel in the country that is built under a tiger reserve. The tunnel is part of the ambitious Delhi-Mumbai Expressway project and is expected to be opened to traffic on 20th June, according to several media reports.
The 4.9 km-long tunnel will be built under Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, one of the most unique highway projects in the country. The tunnel is designed to be both practical and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring that it seamlessly integrates with the natural environment and allows for easy passage for animals.
The tunnel is expected to be a work of engineering and environmental design, with a focus on minimizing its impact on the local ecosystem and ensuring that it is both functional and aesthetically pleasing for the animals’ movement.
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India’s First 8-Lane Tunnel Under a Tiger Reserve ️
The 4.9 km Mukundra Hills Tunnel on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is nearing completion near Kota, Rajasthan.Key Highlights:
• India’s first 8-lane highway tunnel
• Built beneath Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve — wildlife… pic.twitter.com/OwxJv5vzOi— @Indiagrowing (@Theindiagrowing) June 14, 2026
Part of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
The tunnel is an integral part of the 1,386 km long Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, one of India’s biggest infrastructure projects. It is expected to cut down the travel time from Delhi to Mumbai from more that 24 hours to nearly 12 hours once it’s fully operational. It will also enhance connectivity between states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra and will help reduce the logistics cost.
The Kota tunnel was one of the last remaining bottlenecks in the expressway corridor, reports said. Once finished, drivers will experience more efficient and better driving experiences.
India’s first Eight-lane Tunnel beneath a tiger reserve set to open on Delhi-Mumbai expressway. pic.twitter.com/DCLhsF6Fhz
— Indian Infra Report (@Indianinfoguide) June 12, 2026
An Engineering Marvel
The tunnel has been constructed to ensure that traffic can move efficiently beneath the tiger reserve without affecting wildlife habitats above ground. Experts say the project demonstrates how large-scale infrastructure can be developed while considering environmental concerns.
As India continues to expand its highway network, the Mukundra Hills tunnel is likely to become a landmark example of modern transport engineering and sustainable development.
FAQs
Q1: Where is India’s first 8-lane tunnel under a tiger reserve located?
Ans: It is located near Kota in Rajasthan beneath the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve.
Q2: How much will the Delhi-Mumbai travel time reduce after the expressway is completed?
Ans: The journey is expected to take around 12 hours instead of more than 24 hours.
