The final stage of Mumbai’s enormous double tunnel project has begun, connecting Orange Gate and Marine Drive. It is anticipated that the project will significantly alleviate traffic congestion and provide east-west connectivity for city commuters.
To address potential traffic build-up near Marine Drive upon completion, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced the construction of a new six-lane, 3-kilometre road linking the Coastal Road to the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA). Authorities believe this additional road will help disperse traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks in the area.
Once operational, the new tunnel will enable a seamless 10-minute commute from the southern end of the Eastern Expressway to Marine Drive, benefiting around 80,000 vehicle owners every day. Of the total 9.23-kilometre route, 6.52 kilometres will comprise double tunnels, allowing efficient bidirectional traffic movement.
A recent high-level review meeting led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at Sahyadri Guest House emphasised the importance of expediting the project. The session also involved expert recommendations to further improve project execution and prioritised the development of the six-lane connecting road.
With a total project cost of Rs 7,765 crore, the Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel promises to drastically cut travel time and enhance connectivity between East and West Mumbai, marking a major milestone in the city’s urban mobility transformation.
Source: News18
