The Orange Gate to Marine Drive underground metro project will be developed thanks to a loan of Rs 7326 crore obtained by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) from the Union Bank of India’s Large Corporate Branch in Mumbai. This funding supports MMRDA’s commitment to world-class infrastructure development in Mumbai and its financial stability.
The project entails a 9.2 km long underground coastal road that will ensure seamless connectivity between Orange Gate (Eastern Freeway) and the Marine Drive Coastal Road. A key feature of this initiative is a 6.52 km double-tunnel system, which includes dedicated emergency lanes for enhanced safety. Besides improving east-west connectivity, the project will contribute to the creation of a ring route for South Mumbai.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde, and Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, B.I.P.S., this agreement represents a major milestone in Mumbai’s infrastructure transformation.
In a related development, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has unveiled its civic budget for the financial year 2025-26, amounting to Rs 74,427.41 crore—an increase of 14% over the revised estimate of Rs 65,180.79 crore for 2024-25. The budget prioritises infrastructure enhancements, with capital expenditure rising to Rs 26,355.74 crore from Rs 22,787.16 crore. Key projects receiving increased allocations include the Coastal Road, Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR), and sewage treatment plants, with funding rising from Rs 10,210 crore to Rs 13,310.97 crore.
BMC has also allocated funds for structural repairs and reconstruction of crucial railway overbridges (ROBs) such as Vikhroli, Nahur (Phase-1), Gokhale, and Carnac, all of which are slated for completion before the monsoon season. Additionally, the Belasis Bridge project is being expedited for completion by 2025. Other major connectivity initiatives include the Mumbai Coastal Road (North), the Dahisar (W) to Bhayandar (W) elevated road, and the Madh Versova Bridge. The road concretization project, which has faced delays since its approval in February 2023, has been allocated Rs 3,111 crore.
At a recent CREDAI MCHI event, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde highlighted infrastructure projects worth Rs 70,000-80,000 crore in the Thane region. These include the Borivali Tunnel, Metro-4, and Metro-9, all of which aim to alleviate traffic congestion and bolster Thane’s status as a model of urban development.
These extensive infrastructure initiatives reflect a bold vision for Mumbai’s growth, integrating financial prudence with strategic development. With strong financial support driving projects such as the Orange Gate to Marine Drive underground metro and substantial budgetary increases fostering critical civic improvements, the city is poised for enhanced connectivity, safety, and economic progress. Under the leadership of key state and municipal figures, Mumbai is on a transformative journey to becoming a more resilient, efficient, and globally competitive metropolis.
Source: Prop News Time
