MMRDA secures ₹7,326-crore loan for Mumbai’s First Urban Underground Tunnel Road Project

Mumbai, India (Urban Transport News): The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has secured a Rs 7,326-crore loan from Union Bank of India for the highly anticipated Orange Gate to Marine Drive underground tunnel project. This ambitious infrastructure initiative aims to revolutionize urban mobility by significantly improving east-west connectivity in South Mumbai.

The Orange Gate Tunnel will feature a 9.2-kilometre road corridor, including a 6.52-km dual-tunnel system equipped with a dedicated emergency lane. This tunnel, Mumbai’s first urban underground road, will run beneath major public transport routes, including railways, Metro lines, and key city roads. Designed to alleviate congestion and streamline traffic flow, it will seamlessly integrate with the Eastern Freeway, Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), Coastal Road, and Bandra-Worli Sea Link.

On 19th February 2025, MMRDA Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee formally signed the loan agreement with Union Bank of India, ensuring the project’s timely execution. According to MMRDA officials, this financial backing will accelerate construction efforts, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel time for Mumbaikars.

The tunnel will be constructed approximately 40 meters below ground level, providing an uninterrupted traffic corridor between Orange Gate (Eastern Freeway) and Marine Drive. As an extension of the Eastern Freeway, the project aims to resolve long-standing traffic congestion issues at Orange Gate, Mumbai Port Trust, and Main Post Office Square on PD Mello Marg.

By linking the city’s eastern and western corridors through an underground passage, the Orange Gate Tunnel is poised to transform South Mumbai’s traffic landscape, offering a faster, more efficient, and sustainable transportation solution for daily commuters and freight movement alike.

With funding secured and planning underway, MMRDA is set to commence work on this landmark project, marking a significant step forward in Mumbai’s infrastructure development. The completion of the Orange Gate Tunnel is expected to bolster economic growth, ease congestion, and enhance connectivity across the metropolitan region.