Marine Drive in Mumbai Set for Major Transformation with Promenade Extending into Sea
A section of the iconic Marine Drive promenade in Mumbai is proposed to be extended into the sea as part of the Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel project. The plan involves reclaiming 2,296 square meters of land near Jawahar Bal Bhavan to create a new promenade area, according to officials.
The new waterfront space is intended to compensate for the promenade area that will be lost due to the widening of the carriageway. The road expansion is required to accommodate entry and exit ramps connected to the proposed underground tunnel corridor. Under the revised design, a nearly 300-meter stretch between the Coastal Road tunnel exit and Mafatlal Club will be widened. This change is linked to the tunnel surfacing near Jawahar Bal Bhavan and the need for additional road capacity.
The existing eight-lane road will be reconfigured into a 13-lane corridor. The revised layout includes six lanes towards Nariman Point, three lanes leading into the tunnel towards the Eastern Freeway, and four lanes towards Girgaum. This revised road configuration aims to improve the integration of the tunnel with the surrounding road system, helping to manage vehicles entering and exiting the underground corridor efficiently.
Apart from the promenade and road widening works, the revised proposal also includes widening of roads on the Eastern Freeway side. Construction of an electrical substation has also been included as part of the updated project plan. According to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the widening is needed to maintain the carrying capacity of the existing road network and accommodate future traffic demand. The additional lanes are expected to support smoother movement once the tunnel becomes operational.
