The move comes in anticipation of increased congestion once the Orange Gate tunnel, linking Orange Gate and Marine Drive, opens by 2028. To address this, the state has approved a Rs 5 billion expansion plan, greenlit by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after discussions with top government officials.
The expansion will not only improve traffic flow but also preserve Marine Drive’s visual appeal, offering a long-term solution to congestion, with benefits expected for the next 25 years. Other proposed alignments, such as roads beneath Oval Maidan or through Navy dockyard land, were scrapped due to environmental concerns and local opposition.
While residents of Marine Drive have raised concerns about the project’s impact on the promenade, the development is crucial for easing traffic on P D’Mello Road and ensuring smooth connectivity between the Eastern Freeway and Atal Setu.
With this project, traffic in the area is set for a significant improvement.
Image source:hindustantimes
