Marine Drive Tunnel Project Gets MCZMA Design Approval

Mumbai’s East-West Connectivity Project Moves Ahead With Wider Roads and Proposed Waterfront Upgrade

Mumbai’s ambitious Marine Drive Tunnel Project has taken another important step forward after the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) approved major design changes for the underground road corridor connecting Orange Gate (P. D'Mello Road) to Marine Drive. At the same time, the authority has recommended a proposal to expand the iconic sea-side promenade to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for final approval.

The decisions were made during the 198th MCZMA meeting held on June 16, where revised project plans submitted by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) were reviewed. The updated design focuses on handling future traffic growth while preserving the historic character of Mumbai’s famous Marine Drive.

Marine Drive Road Layout to Be Redesigned for Higher Traffic Capacity

The revised proposal introduces a new traffic arrangement to improve vehicle movement once the underground tunnel becomes operational.

At present, Marine Drive has four lanes in each direction. Under the updated design, the road will be reorganized into a 3+3+3+4 lane configuration to better distribute traffic between the tunnel and the existing road network.

The proposed layout includes:

• Three lanes for vehicles traveling toward Nariman Point
• Three dedicated lanes for vehicles exiting the underground tunnel toward Nariman Point
• Three lanes for traffic entering the tunnel toward the Eastern Freeway
• Four existing lanes continuing toward Girgaon

According to MMRDA, this redesign is essential to prevent heavy congestion at the tunnel exit and ensure smooth traffic flow across South Mumbai.

Promenade Expansion Proposed to Create Space Without Affecting Heritage Character

Since there is very little land available on the city side of Marine Drive, MMRDA has proposed extending the famous promenade toward the sea.

The wider promenade will create space for the additional road lanes while helping maintain the structural safety and the iconic curved skyline of Marine Drive, popularly known as the Queen's Necklace.

The waterfront extension is planned over approximately 120 meters in length and up to 60 meters in width, covering nearly 2,298 square meters. Around 2,239 square meters of the proposed area falls within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ-IB), which requires separate environmental approval from the Central Government.

MCZMA has now recommended this proposal to the MoEF&CC, which will make the final decision on the promenade expansion.

Environmental Clearance Granted With Strict Conditions

MCZMA has granted Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the revised underground tunnel alignment passing through CRZ-II and CRZ-II No Development Zone areas.

The authority observed that the changes mainly involve modifications to the tunnel alignment, widening of roads near the Eastern Freeway, and supporting infrastructure.

However, the approval comes with several mandatory environmental conditions, including:

• Preparation and implementation of a detailed traffic management plan
• Disaster management and emergency response measures
• Construction activities during low tide wherever required
• Installation of noise barriers in sensitive locations
• Strict environmental protection and pollution control measures during construction

These safeguards aim to reduce the project's environmental impact while ensuring public safety.

Tunnel Expected to Remove Traffic Bottlenecks in South Mumbai

Project officials informed MCZMA that without the additional lanes at Marine Drive, the western end of the tunnel near Saifee Hospital could become a major traffic bottleneck, reducing the overall benefits of the project.

The redesigned road network is intended to ensure that vehicles entering and exiting the tunnel can move efficiently without causing congestion on Marine Drive.

Transportation planners believe this redesign will improve traffic distribution across South Mumbai while supporting the city's growing transport network.

Marine Drive Tunnel to Strengthen Mumbai's Future Transport Network

The Orange Gate–Marine Drive Underground Tunnel is one of Mumbai's most significant upcoming transport projects. It will form a key East-West road corridor connecting the Eastern Freeway, Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), and the Mumbai Coastal Road.

Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce congestion on P. D'Mello Road, improve connectivity between South Mumbai and the eastern suburbs, and significantly shorten travel times for commuters.

Urban planners also expect the project to ease pressure on existing city roads by offering a faster alternative for vehicles traveling between eastern and western parts of Mumbai.

Marine Drive Upgrade Marks Another Step in Mumbai's Infrastructure Expansion

With MCZMA approving the revised tunnel design and forwarding the promenade expansion proposal for central clearance, Mumbai's Marine Drive infrastructure upgrade has reached another important milestone.

If the Union Environment Ministry grants final approval for the waterfront expansion, the project will move closer to transforming one of Mumbai's busiest transport corridors while preserving the city's iconic coastline and improving long-term traffic movement.