Orange Gate–Marine Drive Twin Tunnel Project

Officials Review Alternative Location Near Mafatlal Swimming Pool for Tunnel Operations Facility

During the inspection, Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Joshi instructed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to study whether the basketball court located next to Mafatlal Swimming Pool can be used for the required facility. The authority has been asked to prepare a feasibility report and submit it to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

MMRDA Asked to Submit Feasibility Report

The site visit was attended by Mumbai City Collector Anchal Goyal, High Power Committee member Indrayani Malkani, D Ward Assistant Commissioner Santosh Salunke, officials from the Fisheries Department and representatives from MMRDA.

The inspection was conducted to explore an alternative location after earlier discussions on setting up the technical building at Girgaon Chowpatty.

Orange Gate–Marine Drive Tunnel to Improve Mumbai Connectivity

The Orange Gate–Marine Drive twin tunnel project is one of Mumbai’s major transport infrastructure projects being developed by MMRDA. The tunnel corridor will create a direct underground connection between eastern and southern Mumbai.

The project will cover around 9.2 to 10 kilometres, with nearly 7 kilometres running underground. It will connect important routes including the Eastern Freeway, Atal Setu, Marine Drive and the Mumbai Coastal Road.

The tunnel will feature twin underground passages with multiple lanes, emergency systems and modern safety infrastructure.

Travel Time Expected to Reduce to Around Five Minutes

Once completed, the project is expected to significantly improve traffic movement and reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marine Drive from the current 22–40 minutes to nearly five minutes.

Officials said that after the feasibility study is completed, the proposal will be submitted to the BMC and later forwarded to the Mumbai City Collector’s office for further review and approval.