Mumbai’s ambitious Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel project, aimed at improving east–west connectivity in South Mumbai, is set to enter the construction phase. The Rs 80.56-billion project will connect Orange Gate on the eastern side near the Eastern Freeway to Marine Drive on the western waterfront, significantly reducing travel time across the city.

According to officials, the alignment of the tunnel has been realigned to terminate at Jawahar Bal Bhavan in Girgaon. The project is considered one of the most complex subterranean road developments undertaken in Mumbai, as it will pass beneath metro corridors, railway lines, heritage precincts and densely populated neighbourhoods.

At present, commuters travelling from the Eastern Freeway to Marine Drive and South Mumbai must navigate heavily congested surface roads such as P D’Mello Road, the Carnac (Sindoor) Bridge and the GPO junction. During peak hours, the journey typically takes 25–30 minutes or more. Once the tunnel becomes operational—expected between mid and end 2028—the same commute is projected to take around five minutes.

The project is expected to ease pressure on surface roads, improve traffic flow, reduce fuel consumption and enhance overall commuting efficiency along the east–west corridor.

The tunnel will span nearly 10 km, of which around seven km will run underground at depths ranging between 12 metres and 52 metres below ground level. Designed as a twin-tube tunnel, it will feature two parallel tunnels—one each for eastbound and westbound traffic. Each tunnel will have two traffic lanes and an emergency lane, with cross-passages every 300 metres to enhance safety.

To accommodate existing infrastructure such as Mumbai Metro Line 3, the tunnel will descend to a maximum depth of about 47–52 metres. It will also be equipped with modern ventilation, lighting, fire safety and traffic management systems in line with contemporary urban tunnel safety standards.

Once completed, the Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel is expected to become a key mobility link, reshaping travel across South Mumbai.

News source: CNBC TV18