Mumbai: Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel crosses 1 km excavation mark

One kilometre of excavation has been completed on the Orange Gate–Marine Drive road tunnel, MMRDA said. The underground link is planned to provide a faster east-west route through South Mumbai.

The project comprises twin tunnels spanning more than 7 km. The section under construction is about 3.45 km long and will reach depths of up to 52 metres. MMRDA expects the route to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marine Drive to around five minutes after it opens.

The alignment passes beneath the Central and Western Railway corridors and Mumbai Metro Line 3. Tunnel-boring machines suited to Mumbai’s coastal geology are being used for the excavation.

MMRDA said the project entered its main tunnelling phase in February 2026. On March 26, a machine had excavated 70 metres in the main drive after transitioning on February 26. The project was formally launched on December 3, 2025.

MMRDA plans to connect the link with road networks including the Coastal Road and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, also known as Atal Setu.