Pragati Maidan tunnel in Delhi to be closed for nearly a month. Here are closing timings, dates, alternate routes

Delhi Traffic Police has issued a warning to commuters, advising them against using the Pragati Maidan tunnel due to ongoing maintenance work starting March 19. The tunnel is scheduled to be closed every day from midnight to 6 am until April 18, with additional full-day closures on March 24, March 31, and April 7. The repair and maintenance operations are being overseen by the ITPO project division of the Public Works Department (PWD).

According to PWD officials, the closure primarily aims to address persistent issues of water leakage within the tunnel structure. "Usually, the tunnel is closed after midnight for routine maintenance work. But we needed more time to carry out repair work to fix the problems of leakage inside," stated an official involved in the maintenance efforts.

Pragati Maidan Tunnel closed: Alternate Routes

During the closure period, commuters are advised to utilize alternative routes such as the Ring Road, Mathura Road, and Bhairon Marg. Presently, the lane towards ITO and Noida from the India Gate side features three to four roadblocks, barricaded with traffic cones.


The Pragati Maidan tunnel, inaugurated in June 2022, has faced recurring challenges with waterlogging and seepage since its inception. Consequently, it has been intermittently shut down to facilitate water drainage and repair activities. In response to these issues, PWD issued a legal notice to L&T, the private contractor responsible for its construction, demanding immediate rectification as per the contract terms.

Prior statements from PWD highlighted major design flaws in the tunnel project, attributing subsequent damages to serious technical deficiencies.

Commuters are urged to plan their travel accordingly, utilizing alternative routes and public transport options during the maintenance period. Additionally, individuals heading towards ISBT, railway stations, or airports are advised to plan their journeys meticulously, allowing ample time for potential delays.