MMRDA Puts Marine Drive Road Expansion Plan on Hold Until Twin Tunnels Are Operational
Mumbai, 5th June 2026: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has decided to defer its proposed Marine Drive road expansion project until the completion of the Orange Gate–Marine Drive twin tunnel project, which is expected to be operational by June 2028.
The proposed project aimed to widen the three-kilometre stretch of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road between the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and the Mumbai Coastal Road entry point. Under the original plan, the existing six-lane roadway would be expanded to 12 lanes to accommodate future traffic growth.
Officials said the authority now prefers to assess traffic movement and congestion levels after the twin tunnels become functional before making any final decision regarding the road widening. The tunnels will provide a direct connection between the Eastern Freeway and the Mumbai Coastal Road, significantly altering traffic patterns in South Mumbai.
The road expansion proposal had received approval from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in April 2025 as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Mumbai’s coastal road network and improve connectivity across the city. The project also involved limited land reclamation from the Arabian Sea and modifications to portions of the iconic Marine Drive promenade.
However, the proposal faced criticism from local residents and citizen groups, who questioned the necessity of doubling the number of lanes without a comprehensive traffic assessment. Several residents argued that infrastructure decisions should be based on detailed studies and stakeholder consultations.
Ashok Gupta, Vice President of the Marine Drive Residents’ Association, welcomed the decision to pause the project, stating that all technical and environmental aspects should be thoroughly evaluated before proceeding with such a large-scale intervention.
Similarly, Atul Kumar, President of the Nariman Point Churchgate Citizens Association, emphasized the need to first understand future traffic patterns. He suggested that alternative solutions, including improved connectivity between Nariman Point and Cuffe Parade, may prove more effective than simply adding more lanes.
With the twin tunnel project still under construction, authorities are expected to revisit the road expansion proposal after observing its impact on traffic flow and congestion in South Mumbai.
