The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) Orange Gate–Marine Drive road tunnel project has received international recognition for its workplace safety and environmental management practices during construction.
The project was honoured with the Construction Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHS&E) Excellence Award by the World Safety Organization (WSO). It received a Golden Trophy and Certificate at the seventh edition of the WSO OHS&E Excellence Awards, following an evaluation of its safety standards, risk mitigation systems and environmental safeguards.
To qualify for the recognition, projects had to record at least 10 lakh safe man-hours without any work-related fatalities during the assessment period. Applicants were also required to maintain valid statutory registrations and have no legal convictions or outstanding violations related to workplace safety or environmental compliance.
The assessment process involved reviewing supporting records, conducting independent inspections of project sites and examining the safety protocols and risk-management procedures implemented during construction.
Safety Measures Critical to Underground Construction
The recognition comes as construction continues on the Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel, which passes beneath densely developed parts of Mumbai and existing transportation corridors. Executing underground infrastructure projects in such locations requires careful planning to minimise risks to construction workers while protecting nearby buildings, roads and operational transport networks.
The award highlights the importance of occupational safety and environmental management in delivering major urban infrastructure projects, particularly those involving complex underground engineering work.
Tunnel Expected to Improve Connectivity
The Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel is being developed as a strategic road connection intended to improve travel across key parts of Mumbai. Once operational, the route is expected to reduce the journey between Orange Gate and Marine Drive to approximately five minutes.
The project is expected to strengthen road connectivity and provide commuters with a faster alternative for travelling between the two locations.
The international recognition adds to the project’s profile as Mumbai continues to expand its transport infrastructure to address congestion and improve urban mobility. Its eventual benefits will depend on the successful completion of construction and the tunnel’s integration with the city’s existing road network.
Source: Swarajya
