Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Mumbai's Orange Gate-Marine Drive Tunnel Project Progresses
Mumbai is building a big tunnel called the Orange Gate-Marine Drive Tunnel.
It will be 9.239 km long and cost ₹8,056 crore.
The tunnel will help cars move faster and reduce traffic in South Mumbai.
It will go under many important roads and buildings.
The tunnel is being built with special machines and will have two lanes in each tunnel.
It is expected to be finished in 54 months and will help about 14,650 vehicles every day by 2029.
Some people think it will help a lot, while others are not sure if it will be worth the cost.
The Orange Gate-Marine Drive Tunnel project aims to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marine Drive by 20-30 minutes.
The tunnel will be 9.239 km long, with 6.25 km excavated using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs).
The project has completed 650 metres of tunnel excavation so far.
The tunnel will pass under major railway and metro corridors, including the Harbour Line and Western Railway.
The tunnel will have two lanes in each of the two tunnels, designed for speeds up to 80 km/h.
- Who
- Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA)
- What
- Construction of the Orange Gate-Marine Drive Tunnel
- When
- Expected completion in 54 months
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- Why
- To reduce traffic congestion and provide a direct underground route between Orange Gate and Marine Drive
Pro-Tunnel Advocates
Critics of the Project
Traffic Reduction
Pro-Tunnel Advocates
The tunnel will significantly reduce traffic congestion in South Mumbai by providing a direct underground route.
Critics of the Project
The tunnel may not sufficiently alleviate traffic as it could attract more vehicles, leading to congestion elsewhere.
Economic Impact
Pro-Tunnel Advocates
The project will boost economic activity by improving connectivity and reducing travel time.
Critics of the Project
The high cost of the project could strain public funds and may not justify the economic benefits.
- Project Cost
- ₹8,056 crore
- Total Length
- 9.239 km
- TBM Tunnel Length
- 6.51 km
- Excavation Completed
- 650 metres
- Number of Tunnels
- 2
- Tunnel Inner Diameter
- 11 metres
- Maximum Depth
- 52 metres
- Design Speed
- 80 km/h
- Expected Travel Time
- About 5 minutes
- Expected Vehicles by 2029
- 14,650 per day
- Construction Period
- 54 months