India, June 9 -- The construction of a new underground tunnel connecting Shiv Murti-Mahipalpur (Dwarka Expressway) to Nelson Mandela Road in Vasant Kunj in south Delhi is likely to begin early next year, with all clearances for the project in advanced stages, officials said on Sunday. The five-kilometre-long tunnel will redefine commute in the congested parts of south Delhi, chief minister Rekha Gupta said on Sunday.

The tunnel will be built by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at an estimated cost of Rs.3,500 crore. The tunnel is part of a larger infrastructure push under the "double engine government", Gupta added.

"This tunnel is the foundation for the Delhi of the future. We are committed to making Delhi congestion-fre...