Mumbai and traffic seem to go hand in hand. To give commuters some relief, the city is continuously working on several major road projects to make travel smoother and reduce congestion. One such project is the Orange Gate-Marine Drive twin tunnel. Here’s what you need to know.
Officials Update Orange Gate-Marine Drive Twin Tunnel Project In Mumbai
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) are willing to make changes to the route of the Orange Gate-Marine Drive twin tunnel project. Why? According to them, this revised plan could help avoid heavy traffic congestion near Jawahar Bal Bhavan at Charni Road when the tunnel starts operating in the future.
Hindustan Times reported that with the revised proposal, MMRDA wants to reclaim 2,298 square metres of land from the Arabian Sea near the Pransukhlal Mafatlal Hindu Swimming Bath and Boating Club. With this, they plan to create additional space for the project. The area is about one-third the size of a football field. To accommodate this work, a section of the Marine Drive promenade will be shifted slightly further into the sea.
Also Read: Mumbai: Amid Monsoon Delay, BMC Tightens Water Use Rules; What Are The Rules? When Will It Rain?
What Is The Additional Cost Of The Proposed Plan?
The revised proposal is expected to increase the project’s cost by around ₹40 crore. The Orange Gate-Marine Drive twin tunnel project was approved in March 2023. Earlier, the estimated budget was of ₹8,056 crore.
The revised design also proposes increasing the road capacity outside Jawahar Bal Bhavan to 13 lanes. Authorities need to widen the road because vehicles entering and exiting the twin tunnel will merge with regular traffic on Marine Drive. To ensure smoother traffic flow and avoid congestion, authorities plan to widen a 300-metre stretch of road between the Coastal Road entry-exit points and the Mafatlal swimming pool.
The current four lanes heading towards Nariman Point will be reduced to three. As per Hindustan Times, another three lanes will be for the vehicles exiting the tunnel and travelling towards Nariman Point. Also, three lanes will manage traffic coming from Nariman Point and entering the Orange Gate-bound tunnel. Four lanes will remain available for vehicles travelling towards Girgaum Chowpatty.
To move ahead with the revised plan, MMRDA has started seeking environmental approvals. The authority has already submitted the proposal to the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) for clearance.
How excited are you for this project to be completed? Tell us in the comments below!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ GCShutter
FAQs
What is Orange Gate-Marine Drive twin tunnel project in Mumbai?
The Orange Gate-Marine Drive twin tunnel project is a major Mumbai infrastructure initiative that aims to improve connectivity and reduce travel time between Orange Gate in South Mumbai and Marine Drive.
Why MMRDA is updating Orange Gate-Marine Drive twin tunnel project in Mumbai?
MMRDA is updating the Orange Gate-Marine Drive twin tunnel project to prevent future traffic congestion near Jawahar Bal Bhavan.
How much more will the Orange Gate-Marine Drive twin tunnel project cost after the proposed changes?
The proposed changes are expected to increase the cost of the Orange Gate-Marine Drive twin tunnel project by around ₹40 crore.