The contractor appointed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA has commenced geotechnical investigation work for the proposed underground Orange Gate Road Tunnel Project. According to a senior official, the MMRDA — the nodal agency overseeing the project — is conducting surveys at approximately 35 locations, with testing at seven of these already completed. The official added that the survey work is expected to be completed in the next few days and the actual tunneling work will likely begin post monsoons. The objective of this geotechnical investigation is to assess subsurface challenges, including the depth of utility lines. This tunnel will be the city’s first urban one, traversing beneath vital public transport routes such as railways, metro lines and major city roads. Spanning 9.5 km from Orange Gate to Marine Drive, the road tunnel aims to provide uninterrupted traffic flow, connecting the eastern and western coasts of South Mumbai via the Eastern Freeway, Mumbai Trans Harbour Sealink (MTHL), Coastal Road and Bandra-Worli Sea Link. With a projected cost of Rs 7,765 crore, the tunnel will be constructed approximately 40 metres below ground level. The primary objective of this infrastructure project is to alleviate traffic congestion in South Mumbai, particularly around Orange Gate, a challenge for both the Mumbai Port Trust and the Main Post Office Square on P D’Mello Marg.
