Mumbai: In a major boost to Mumbai’s transport infrastructure, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) secured a Rs 7,326 crore loan from Union Bank of India on Wednesday for the Underground Tunnel Road connecting Orange Gate to Marine Drive. This financial closure displays MMRDA’s credibility and commitment to executing large-scale infrastructure projects efficiently.
Details On The Project
The 9.2 km underground coastal route aims to improve east-west connectivity and create a ring road around South Mumbai. A key component of the project is a 6.52 km twin-tunnel system with dedicated emergency lanes to enhance safety.
The tunnels will have a width of 11 meters, featuring two traffic lanes along with a dedicated emergency lane. Positioned approximately 40 meters underground, the design ensures minimal interference with Mumbai Metro Line-3 and surrounding high-rise structures. The project will also incorporate a viaduct, open cuts and access roads to enhance connectivity.
A key objective of this development is to alleviate congestion at major junctions, including Crawford Market, GPO and CSMT, improving overall traffic flow in South Mumbai. Once completed, this tunnel road will offer seamless travel between the Eastern Freeway and Marine Drive, remarkably reducing congestion in the city’s core areas.
Loan Agreement Signed In Presence Of CM Fadnavis, Both Dy CMs
The loan agreement was signed under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also serves as MMRDA’s chairman. Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, played a crucial role in finalising the deal.
The signing ceremony saw the presence of senior MMRDA officials, including Additional Commissioners Vikram Kumar and Ashwin Mudgal, Joint Commissioner Radhabinod Sharma, MMMOCL MD Rubal Agarwal, and Financial Advisor Ankush Nawale.
With this financial backing, MMRDA is ensuring that Mumbai’s urban mobility projects remain on track. The underground tunnel road is expected to revolutionise commuting in South Mumbai, providing a faster, more efficient alternative for daily travelers.
