November 20, 2025: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is preparing to begin tunnelling for the ambitious Orange Gate–Marine Drive road tunnel project by December 2025. Estimated at Rs 7,765 crore, the project is poised to significantly ease traffic congestion in South Mumbai, particularly around Orange Gate, Mumbai Port Trust, and the high-traffic P D’Mello Marg stretch. As Mumbai’s first urban tunnel, it will run 40 metres below ground and improve east–west connectivity across the city.
The 9.5 km corridor will link the Eastern Freeway at Orange Gate to Marine Drive and further integrate with the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), the Coastal Road, and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, creating a seamless movement network across Mumbai’s major transport spines.
Current Status
An MMRDA official told Mid-Day that a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) has already been mobilised at the construction site. The lowering and assembly process is underway at the launching shaft, and the official confirmed that full-scale tunnelling work is expected to begin next month.
Project Details
The plan includes a 6.51 km twin-tube tunnel, with each tube designed to carry 2+2 regular lanes, 1+1 emergency lanes, and pedestrian walkways. Additional components include a viaduct at the Eastern Freeway’s Orange Gate entry, open-cut sections, and approach roads on both ends of the corridor. The left-side tunnel will run beneath the seaway and re-emerge after B. D. Somani Chowk.
Residents Raise Concerns
Local groups have questioned the lack of public consultation. In August, the Marine Drive Citizens’ Association expressed disappointment over being left out of discussions. Vice-President Ashok Gupta told FPJ that residents are not against infrastructure progress but want transparency, stating, “The Coastal Road work has just been completed, and now another massive project is being taken up.” He added, “While such projects are aimed at improving connectivity, those of us who have lived here for decades deserve to be informed and consulted.”
Source: The Free Press Journal
