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Orange Gate-Marine Drive underground tunnel extension gets coastal road authority approval
The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority approved extending the Orange Gate-Marine Drive tunnel on April 19, 2026. The project will connect the Eastern Freeway and Atal Setu to the Coastal Road and extend the tunnel endpoint further north near Girgaum Chowpatty, with revised alignment lengths and a plan to expand Marine Drive lanes to ease congestion. The project previously received CRZ clearance in March 2024 and has undergone design changes during execution.
Why It Matters
Approved extension aims to ease traffic on Marine Drive and improve East-West connectivity in Mumbai, potentially impacting tourism along the Queen’s Necklace.
Timeline
2 Events
MCZMA approves extension of Orange Gate-Marine Drive tunnel
April 19, 2026
The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority approved extending the tunnel from its previously planned terminus at Maratha Bhavan on Marine Drive to a point near the PM Hindu Swimming Bath & Boat Club (Mafatlal Swimming Pool) near Girgaum Chowpatty. The decision moves the end point north at CM Devendra Fadnavis's recommendation to reduce congestion along the Queen’s Necklace. The project remains ₹7,500 crore, with revised right-side and left-side tunnel lengths of 4.6 km and 4.9 km, respectively. The plan also involves expanding Marine Drive with four lanes toward Nariman Point and four lanes toward P D’Mello Road and MbPT parking to accommodate projected traffic surges.
CRZ clearance for the Orange Gate-Marine Drive tunnel project
March 7, 2024
The ₹7,500-crore project received Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance on March 7, 2024, enabling the continuation of planning and execution for the Orange Gate-Marine Drive tunnel extension.