Mumbai’s 1st underground road corridor How Orange Gate-Marine Drive Tunnel is taking shape

Mumbai’s Underground Road Network Enters a Major Construction Phase

Mumbai is taking a major step towards transforming its road infrastructure with the construction of the Orange Gate-Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel, planned as a high-speed underground connection between Orange Gate near the Eastern Freeway and Marine Drive.

The ambitious project has now achieved a significant construction milestone, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) completing more than 650 metres of excavation. Tunnelling work is continuing around the clock as the city prepares for a new underground mobility corridor.

The project has achieved around 14% physical progress, according to MMRDA, highlighting the pace at which one of Mumbai's most technically challenging road projects is advancing.

Nearly 10-Km Underground Corridor to Transform Connectivity

Twin Tunnels Form the Core of the Project

The Orange Gate-Marine Drive project spans approximately 9.96 km, with nearly 7 km comprising twin tunnels. The project has an estimated cost of around ₹7,805.6 crore.

The underground corridor is designed to create a faster east-west connection across South Mumbai. Once operational, it is expected to reduce travel time between the eastern and western waterfronts by approximately 15 to 20 minutes while also helping reduce traffic congestion, fuel consumption and vehicular emissions.

Advanced Technology for Mumbai’s Challenging Geology

Tunnel Boring Machine Works Deep Beneath the City

The construction involves highly complex engineering because the tunnels pass beneath densely populated urban areas, railway corridors and Metro Line 3.

The tunnels will reach depths ranging from approximately 12 metres to nearly 52 metres. Excavation is being carried out using a 12.19-metre slurry shield tunnel boring machine, specially suited to coastal geological conditions and areas with high water ingress.

This technology allows tunnelling to continue beneath existing infrastructure while minimising disruption on the surface, Mumbai’s 1st underground road corridor How Orange Gate-Marine Drive Tunnel is taking shape.

Safety and Passenger Infrastructure

Twin Tunnels Designed for Efficient Traffic Movement

Each tunnel will feature two traffic lanes along with an emergency lane. Modern safety systems are planned throughout the corridor, including cross passages, ventilation systems, fire-resistant infrastructure and advanced lighting.

These features are designed to improve operational safety while ensuring that the underground road remains reliable under different traffic and emergency conditions.

Connecting Mumbai’s Major Infrastructure Projects

Integration with Coastal Road and Atal Setu

One of the biggest advantages of the Orange Gate-Marine Drive Tunnel will be its integration with other major transportation projects.

The corridor is planned to connect with Mumbai's Coastal Road and Atal Setu, creating a broader network of high-capacity road links across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

This integration could improve movement between South Mumbai, the eastern suburbs and wider regional corridors, while creating alternative routes for motorists.

A Major Milestone for Mumbai’s Future Mobility

Underground Infrastructure Could Ease Surface Congestion

Mumbai's limited road space and high traffic volumes have made underground infrastructure increasingly important. Instead of acquiring large amounts of additional surface land, tunnels allow the city to create new transport capacity beneath existing urban areas.

The Orange Gate-Marine Drive project therefore represents more than a road connection—it is part of Mumbai's long-term strategy to build a modern, interconnected and congestion-resistant transportation network.

Conclusion Mumbai’s 1st underground road corridor How Orange Gate-Marine Drive Tunnel is taking shape

The Orange Gate-Marine Drive Tunnel is steadily taking shape as Mumbai's ambitious underground road corridor moves forward. With more than 650 metres of excavation completed and physical progress reaching 14%, the project has entered an important phase of construction.

Once completed, the corridor is expected to improve east-west connectivity, reduce travel times and complement major projects such as the Coastal Road and Atal Setu.

The project could ultimately become a defining component of Mumbai's next-generation urban mobility network.

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Author: Ajjay Bhagyakar

Published By: Griha Realty

Source: The Times of India