Underground Dreams: Mumbai-MMR Tunnel Projects Transforming the Region

By Ajjay Bhagyakar — Published by Griha Realty Source: x.com(Amey Kulkarni)

 Source: x.com(Amey Kulkarni)

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) — often working behind the scenes — is now reshaping Mumbai and its suburbs through a sweeping set of tunnel and link-road projects. From coastal corridors to forest-cutting twin-tubes, the city’s infrastructure is preparing for a radical upgrade. Here’s a consolidated update on some key projects and what they mean for daily commuters and long-term growth.

Key Projects Underway in Mumbai-MMR

Orange Gate–Marine Drive Twin Tunnel

• This massive road tunnel aims to link the Eastern Freeway’s Orange Gate to the Coastal Road at Marine Drive — creating a direct east-west corridor under South Mumbai. ThePrint+2Projects Today+2

• Total length ~ 9.23 km, with roughly 6.5–7 km underground. Each tube will have 2 traffic lanes + 1 emergency lane + pedestrian walkways. ETInfra.com+2MMRDA+2

• As of late 2025, the tunnelling work has begun with Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) launched; physical progress is around 10–13%. MMRDA+2ThePrint+2

• Expected to drastically cut commute time between east and south Mumbai, easing congestion on surface roads such as P. D’Mello Road. ThePrint+2ETInfra.com+2

Thane–Borivali Twin Tunnel Project ( Underground Dreams: Mumbai-MMR Tunnel Projects Transforming the Region )

• This is India’s longest and largest urban road tunnel: 11.8 km twin tunnel connecting Ghodbunder Road (Thane) to the Western Express Highway at Borivali — cutting across hills and forest terrain. Projects Today+2rahstaexpo.com+2

• Designed with modern safety features: ventilation, emergency lanes, cross-passages — to support smooth high-speed transit. Projects Today+1

• Latest updates (2025): TBM assembly and shaft preparations are underway; land acquisition & rehabilitation more or less done; expected completion by 2028. Projects Today+1

• Once functional, travel time between Thane and Borivali will shrink from 60–90 minutes to as low as 15 minutes. Projects Today+1

  
  

Airoli–Katai Naka Road & Tunnel Project

• A 12.3 km link connecting Airoli to Katai Naka via elevated roads + a 1.69 km twin tunnel under a hill — aimed at easing traffic between Mumbai, Thane, and Kalyan-Dombivli area. Mumbai Live+2MMRDA+2

• Phase-wise work: elevated sections largely done; according to 2023–24 status report, tunnel portion ~66-90% done depending on segment. MMRDA+2Construction World+2

• This link is expected to shorten travel time and provide a smoother route connecting the eastern suburbs. Mumbai Live+1

  
  

Proposed 70 km Tunnel Network — “Third Mode of Mobility”

• MMRDA has laid out plans for a massive integrated underground network (~70 km) which will stitch together expressways, coastal roads, metro corridors, and possibly the upcoming high-speed rail. Hindustan Times+1

• Phase-wise execution is planned, starting with key corridors like the airport loop, east–west links, and future north–south connectors — aiming to decongest surface roads and accelerate urban mobility. Hindustan Times+1

• If realised, this network could change how Mumbaikars travel — offering a futuristic, multi-modal backbone for the sprawling metropolis. Hindustan Times

  
  

What It Means for Commuters & Urban Growth

• Major time savings: Long commutes that now take 1–2 hours could drop to 15–20 minutes — a real game-changer for daily travellers between suburbs and city zones (e.g. Thane ↔ Borivali, Airoli ↔ Kalyan).

• Decongestion & smoother traffic flow: Underground corridors will divert heavy through-traffic away from surface roads, easing jams on critical arteries and coastal-road bottlenecks.

• Integrated mobility & real-estate growth: Better connectivity tends to drive demand for housing and commercial development along these corridors — boosting growth potential in suburbs. As a real-estate stakeholder at Griha Realty, these developments point to promising future value.

• Sustainable urban expansion: Underground infrastructure helps bypass issues of land scarcity and dense population, offering a long-term sustainable solution to Mumbai’s transport woes.

  
  

Official Push & Momentum in 2025

• In December 2025, MMRDA started tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive link, marking a major shift from planning to execution. ThePrint+2MMRDA+2

• For Thane–Borivali tunnel, TBM deployment is underway, indicating real commitment to meet the 2028 deadline. Projects Today+1

• Reports confirm MMRDA’s 70-km underground tunnel network plan — a bold vision to redefine mobility across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Hindustan Times+1

  
  

Conclusion — Mumbai’s Infrastructure Is

Entering a New Era

What was once a chaotic, congested urban sprawl is gradually being replaced by a planned, multilayered transport grid. Mumbai’s upcoming tunnels and link roads are not just engineering feats — they represent a shift in how the city will live, commute, and grow over the next decade. For residents, businesses, and real-estate markets alike, this wave of infrastructure development offers a window of opportunity. Underground Dreams: Mumbai-MMR Tunnel Projects Transforming the Region

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