MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday launched the Rs 8, 056 crore Orange Gate to Marine Drive Urban Tunnel Project, a major infrastructure plan aimed at easing traffic pressure in South Mumbai and improving access to the Navi Mumbai International Airport.
The event also marked the commissioning of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) that will be used for the work.
Speaking on the occasion, Fadnavis said the project was essential because the Eastern Freeway, though helpful, still leaves commuters stuck in long queues once they reach South Mumbai.
“Citizens can reach South Mumbai from the Eastern suburbs in 20 to 25 minutes via the Eastern Freeway. However, they subsequently face traffic snarls lasting 30 to 45 minutes for their onward journey. Furthermore, the commuters from the Western Suburbs and South Mumbai have to traverse a long route to reach the Navi Mumbai Airport. The Orange Gate tunnel was conceptualized as a solution to this problem, " he added.