MMRDA Approves Massive Rs.7,326-Crore Loan for Mumbai’s Orange Gate Tunnel Construction
MMRDA Approves Massive ₹7,326-Crore Loan for Mumbai's Orange Gate Tunnel Construction
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is taking a significant step towards improving urban infrastructure with the approval of a ₹7,326-crore loan for the Orange Gate underground tunnel project. This ambitious project will stretch 9.2 kilometers, linking Orange Gate on the Eastern Freeway to the Marine Drive coastal road. The design features a dual-tunnel system that spans 6.52 kilometers, complete with a dedicated emergency lane. This initiative aims to enhance east-west connectivity and create a ring route for South Mumbai, with the tunnel being constructed approximately 40 meters underground.
Notably, this will be Mumbai’s first urban tunnel, strategically placed beneath essential public transport routes, including railways, Metro lines, and major city roads.
Orange Gate Tunnel Project
On Wednesday, the Commissioner of MMRDA finalized the loan agreement, with Union Bank of India providing the necessary financial support to ensure the project’s timely completion.
The tunnel is designed to facilitate smooth traffic movement, connecting the eastern and western coasts of South Mumbai via the Eastern Freeway, Mumbai Trans Harbour Sea Link (MTHL), Coastal Road, and Bandra-Worli Sea Link. The main objective of this infrastructure project is to alleviate the traffic congestion that has long plagued Orange Gate, an ongoing challenge for both the Mumbai Port Trust and the Main Post Office Square on PD Mello Marg.
Currently, construction is progressing on the launching shaft, and an MMRDA official has indicated that tunnel boring machines are expected to be deployed soon.
