09 May,2026 05:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The project comprises twin tunnels with a total single carriageway tunnel length of approximately 4.8 kilometres. PIC/MMRDA
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed around 250 metres of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate-Marine Drive underground road tunnel project, marking a major milestone in the city's next-generation mobility infrastructure initiative.
According to MMRDA, the tunnelling work was carried out using advanced slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) technology along with the installation of permanent segmental tunnel lining rings, a key structural component that converts excavation into permanent infrastructure.
In a press note released on Saturday, MMRDA said the achievement marks the transition from preparatory underground works to sustained full-scale tunnelling operations beneath one of the country's most densely populated urban zones.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the project reflects the government's commitment to creating globally benchmarked urban infrastructure and future-ready mobility systems for Mumbai.
Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde stated that the underground connectivity systems would become increasingly important as Mumbai continues to grow vertically and economically.
The underground tunnel project is aimed at improving east-west connectivity in Mumbai and forms part of MMRDA's larger plan to build an integrated multi-layered transport ecosystem comprising metro corridors, elevated roads, coastal infrastructure and underground road networks.
MMRDA stated that the project alignment passes through a highly infrastructure-sensitive urban zone, requiring precision excavation beneath dense built-up areas and existing utilities while ensuring minimal disruption to city operations above ground.
According to the authority, the project is expected to reduce travel time from around 40 minutes to nearly five minutes during peak hours while easing congestion on key arterial roads. The underground corridor is also expected to reduce fuel consumption and vehicular emissions.
The project comprises twin tunnels with a total single carriageway tunnel length of approximately 4.8 kilometres. Each tunnel will have two traffic lanes and one emergency lane, with a designed speed limit of 80 kmph. Cross-passages will be constructed at every 300 metres for safety and emergency access.
MMRDA said the tunnel extends up to nearly 50 metres below ground level and has been designed to avoid disruption to existing buildings, railway infrastructure and metro systems.
The tunnelling work is being carried out using a slurry shield TBM specially designed for deep urban tunnelling in Mumbai's coastal and mixed geological conditions. The machine has a cutter head diameter of 12.19 metres, measures 80 metres in length and weighs around 2,400 tonnes.
MMRDA said more than 575 tunnel lining rings comprising nearly 4,600 precast concrete segments have already been completed, while associated civil construction works on viaducts and approach ramps are also progressing steadily.
MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee said the milestone reflected disciplined progress in executing complex deep urban tunnelling works beneath one of the country's most densely populated cities.
