MMRDA Obtains Rs 7,326 Cr Loan for Orange Gate to Marine Drive Tunnel Project
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Synopsis
MMRDA has secured a Rs 7,326 crore loan from Union Bank of India for an underground tunnel connecting Orange Gate and Marine Drive. This project aims to enhance connectivity in South Mumbai and improve urban mobility.
Key Takeaways
- MMRDA obtains a Rs 7,326 crore loan.
- Project includes a 9.2 km underground tunnel.
- Significant improvement in east-west connectivity.
- Constructed by Larsen & Toubro.
- Enhances urban mobility for Mumbaikars.
Mumbai, Feb 19 (NationPress) The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has successfully acquired a loan of Rs 7,326 crore for the underground tunnel road connecting Orange Gate to Marine Drive, sanctioned by Union Bank of India.
According to a statement from MMRDA, this loan was secured with a competitive return on investment, optimizing financial efficiency, and signifies a significant advancement in Mumbai's infrastructure development. This achievement underscores MMRDA's robust financial credibility and its dedication to providing world-class infrastructure without delays.
The 9.2 km underground coastal route will create a seamless connection from Orange Gate (Eastern Freeway) to the Marine Drive Coastal Road. The project features a 6.52 km twin-tunnel system equipped with dedicated emergency lanes to enhance safety, thereby bolstering east-west connectivity and establishing a ring route for South Mumbai.
“MMRDA is consistently achieving financial closures for significant projects, ensuring that the development of Mumbai remains uninterrupted. With the backing of Union Bank of India, this project is set to become a reality, transforming urban mobility for the residents of Mumbai,” stated MMRDA Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee.
He emphasized that the construction of this underground tunnel is a pivotal step in enhancing connectivity between the eastern and western coasts of South Mumbai.
This initiative will complement other major infrastructure projects in the area, including the Sewri-Worli elevated connector, Mumbai Trans Harbor Link, Eastern Freeway, Mumbai Coastal Road Project, and Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
In September 2023, MMRDA appointed Larsen & Toubro as the contractor for the construction of the underground tunnel, which will offer a traffic-free route between Orange Gate at the Eastern Freeway and Marine Drive, improving connectivity and reducing travel times.
“The Eastern Freeway, connecting Mankhurd to Chembur Junction and Orange Gate on P'Dimello Road, has greatly enhanced transportation to South Mumbai. However, the surge in traffic at Orange Gate has posed challenges for the Mumbai Port Trust and the Main Post Office square on P'Dimello Marg. To resolve these issues and establish an efficient road-based transit system, MMRDA plans to develop a 9.23 km corridor linking the Eastern Freeway's Orange Gate to the coastal road at Marine Drive,” MMRDA noted.
As per MMRDA, the project includes a 6.51 km twin-tube underground tunnel, with each tunnel designed to accommodate 2+2 traffic lanes, 1+1 emergency lanes, and pedestrian walkways.
The project involves constructing a viaduct for vehicle access at the Eastern Freeway Orange Gate, open cuts, and access roads on both sides of the corridor. The left-side tunnel will pass beneath the seaway and resurface after BD Somani Chowk.
This project is meticulously planned to ensure safety concerning the underground Mumbai Metro line-3 project, with the tunnel's depth set at approximately 40 m from the ground level, ensuring no interference with the central rail or high-rise building foundations. Comprehensive safety measures are being implemented, given the project's proximity to heritage sites and densely populated areas in South Mumbai.
