– TBM operation for Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Tunnel Project inaugurated by Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister
Mumbai :- Due to the Eastern Freeway, citizens can reach South Mumbai from the eastern suburbs in just 20–25 minutes. However, the onward journey would take an additional 30–45 minutes due to heavy traffic congestion. Similarly, commuters from the western suburbs and South Mumbai had to take a longer route to reach the Navi Mumbai Airport. To address these issues, the concept of the Orange Gate Tunnel was developed. This project will provide major relief to Mumbai’s traffic, informed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Chief Minister Fadnavis inaugurated the ambitious Orange Gate to Marine Drive Urban Tunnel Project aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving connectivity to the Navi Mumbai International Airport. On this occasion, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) was also launched. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Assembly Speaker Adv. Rahul Narwekar, Minister for Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Mangal Prabhat Lodha, MLA Amin Patel, and MMRDA Commissioner Rubal Aggarwal were present.
CM Fadnavis said that earlier a flyover was considered at this location, but due to lack of space and dense traffic movement, it was not feasible. As this area is even more congested than Mohammed Ali Road Flyover, a tunnel became the only practical and safe solution. The tunnel will pass beneath nearly 700 properties, century-old heritage structures, as well as the Western and Central Railway lines. Notably, it will be dug 50 meters below Metro Line 3. CM Fadnavis described the project as an “engineering marvel”.
The project aims to be completed by December 2028, with efforts to finish it six months earlier. Renowned engineering company L&T has been entrusted with the work. After the Worli–Sewri Sea Link opens next year and the Coastal Road gets connected, residents of the western suburbs will have two routes to reach the Navi Mumbai Airport. This project will save thousands of hours for commuters and marks a historic milestone for Mumbai’s transport system, CM Fadnavis noted.
Orange Gate–Marine Drive Tunnel to Significantly Ease Traffic in Mumbai: Deputy CM Eknath Shinde
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that a large volume of traffic coming via Atal Setu from Thane and Navi Mumbai currently gets stuck near the Eastern Freeway exit due to congestion. With the new tunnel, this bottleneck will be greatly reduced. Motorists heading towards Marine Drive, Churchgate, and the Coastal Road will also benefit.
The tunnel will connect East and West Mumbai and save travel time for lakhs of citizens. Just as Metro 3, Metro 2A, and Metro 7 have eased commuting, this underground tunnel will transform the city’s transport landscape. Since the tunnel passes below Metro 3, it represents a remarkable example of advanced engineering, Shinde added.
The project is expected to reduce fuel consumption, curb air and noise pollution, and significantly reduce office travel time. It will also benefit commuters from western suburbs and those travelling to Navi Mumbai Airport. This is a major breakthrough in Mumbai’s underground transport system and together with flyovers, the coastal tunnel, and this new underground tunnel, traffic congestion will reduce dramatically, making it a true game-changing project, he said.
Project Information
Implementing Agency: Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA)
Project Cost: ₹8,056 crore
Completion Period: 54 months
Key Benefits
Connects East–West suburbs and Navi Mumbai through an underground route
Reduces travel time by 15–20 minutes
Saves fuel
Reduces noise and air pollution
Project Features
India’s first urban tunnel project passing through dense residential zones and beneath the Central & Western Railway and 50m below Metro Line 3
Total project length: 9.96 km, including nearly 7 km underground
Two-lane carriageway in each tunnel (3.2 m width), plus an emergency lane
Speed limit: 80 kmph
Cross passages every 300 m for safety
Adequate ventilation, fire safety systems, lighting, and Intelligent Transport System (ITS)
Minimal land acquisition and limited urban disruption
Integrated with major infrastructure: Mumbai Coastal Road & Atal Setu
Tunnel Boring Technology
Slurry-shield type TBM suitable for Mumbai’s mixed and rocky coastal soil
Proven technology used in Mumbai Coastal Road Tunnel
Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Specifications
Refurbished under OEM supervision
Cutter head diameter: 12.19 m
Length: 82 m
Weight: approx. 2,400 metric tons