Mumbai: Orange Gate-Marine Drive tunnel work advances as main drive begins

Mumbairsquos ambitious underground mobility network has achieved a significant breakthrough with the Orange GateMarine Drive road tunnel project entering its main tunnelling phase according to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority The development marks a crucial step forward in one of Indiarsquos most complex urban infrastructure projects aimed at transforming eastwest connectivity in the cityMain drive signals key progressThe project recently crossed an important milestone as the Tunnel Boring Machine TBM commenced its main drive operations after successfully completing the initial excavation phase the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority stated Designed specifically to tackle Mumbairsquos challenging coastal geology the TBM the largest slurry shield machine deployed for an urban road tunnel in India has already demonstrated strong performanceThe authority noted that following an earlier breakthrough the machine has advanced rapidly excavating nearly 70 metres within just a few days reflecting both engineering precision and operational efficiencyBig milestone for Mumbairsquos Underground Mobility Project Orange GatendashMarine Drive Tunnel Begins Main DriveThe Orange GatendashMarine Drive Road Tunnel one of Indiarsquos most complex urban road tunnelling projects has reached another historic milestone with the main tunnelling drivehellip pictwittercomAcwSKqI4lkmdash MMRDA MMRDAOfficial March 27 2026Highlevel backing and strategic importanceThe TBM was officially launched on December 3 2025 in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde The project is being implemented by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority and is considered a critical component of the cityrsquos longterm transport infrastructure strategyEngineering marvel beneath the cityAccording to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority the project involves the construction of twin tunnels stretching over 7 kilometres The first tunnel currently under development spans 345 kilometres and reaches depths of up to 52 metres below ground level The alignment passes beneath key transport corridors including Central Railway Western Railway and Mumbai Metro Line 3 requiring high levels of safety and engineering precisionThe authority stated that once completed the tunnel will reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marine Drive to just five minutes It will also provide seamless integration with major infrastructure such as the Coastal Road and Atal Setu significantly easing congestion and reducing fuel consumption and vehicular emissionsMilestones achieved so farThe Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority highlighted that since its launch the project has recorded steady progress through multiple critical stages These include the successful lowering and installation of the TBMrsquos backup system integration with the TBM shield and completion of essential hydraulic and electrical connectionsThe authority further noted that advanced monitoring instruments such as flowmeters densitometers and pressure sensors were calibrated to ensure safe and efficient operationsThe initial tunnelling phase began on January 8 2026 with the erection of temporary rings followed by permanent ring installation starting January 26 The initial drive was completed by January 31 paving the way for the transition to the main drive which was finalised on February 26 Fullscale tunnelling operations officially commenced on February 28 the authority saidRapid progress continuesAs of March 26 2026 the TBM has excavated 70 metres out of the planned 3720 metres for the first tunnel the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority said adding that the pace of work is expected to accelerate in the coming monthsThe Orange GatendashMarine Drive tunnel is poised to become a gamechanger for Mumbai offering faster more efficient connectivity while supporting the cityrsquos vision of sustainable and modern transport solutions the authority added