Mumbai, Dec 3 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, alongside Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, inaugurated the transformative Rs 8,056 crore Orange Gate to Marine Drive Urban Tunnel Project on Wednesday. This significant infrastructure initiative is designed to alleviate traffic congestion in South Mumbai while enhancing access to the Navi Mumbai International Airport.

During the launch event, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) was officially commissioned, marking a critical step in the project's development.

Fadnavis highlighted the necessity of this project, stating that despite the benefits of the Eastern Freeway, commuters often find themselves ensnared in lengthy queues upon entering South Mumbai.

“Traveling from the Eastern suburbs to South Mumbai takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes via the Eastern Freeway, yet commuters then face delays of 30 to 45 minutes for their onward journey. Those traveling from the Western Suburbs and South Mumbai also encounter lengthy routes to reach the Navi Mumbai Airport. The Orange Gate tunnel was envisioned as a solution to this issue,” he explained.

He further clarified that a flyover had been considered previously but dismissed due to spatial constraints and the heavy traffic load in the area, which he described as more congested than the stretch of the Mohammed Ali Road flyover. “This tunnel will be constructed beneath around 700 properties, including century-old heritage structures, as well as the Western and Central Railway lines,” he noted. “Remarkably, it will be excavated 50 meters below Metro Line 3, characterizing it as an 'Engineering Marvel'.”

The contract for this ambitious project has been awarded to L&T, with an anticipated completion date of December 2028, though officials are optimistic about finishing six months ahead of schedule. The upcoming Worli-Sewri Sea Link, set to open next year and its connection to the Coastal Road, is expected to significantly reduce travel times for commuters.

Shinde underscored the project's potential to enhance regional connectivity.

“Heavy traffic from Thane and Navi Mumbai via the Atal Setu currently gets congested near the Freeway exit. This new tunnel will drastically decrease such bottlenecks,” he stated, adding, “Motorists heading towards Marine Drive, Churchgate, and the Coastal Road will also experience substantial relief.”

The Deputy Chief Minister characterized this project as a watershed moment for Mumbai’s transport network, comparable to the advancements brought by Metro lines 3, 2A, and 7. He asserted that the advanced methodologies employed in constructing this deeper tunnel would significantly alter the city's travel dynamics.

The government has designated the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) as the executing agency. The tunnel is projected to be completed within 54 months, spanning a total length of 9.96 km, with nearly 7 km underground.

Featuring two distinct tunnels, each with two lanes and an emergency lane, the project will link the Eastern Freeway at Orange Gate to Marine Drive. It is anticipated to reduce travel times by 15 to 20 minutes and lower fuel consumption, as well as noise and air pollution, while facilitating seamless connections to the Coastal Road and Atal Setu.