The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced a major milestone in improving Mumbai’s transportation infrastructure. The MMRDA has approved the appointment of Larson & Toubro Ltd as the contractor for the construction of an underground tunnel which will provide a traffic-free route between the Orange Gate on the Eastern Freeway and Marine Drive, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel time.

The project will begin at the end of this year and take three to four years to complete. The Eastern Freeway, connecting Mankhurd to Chembur Junction, and Orange Gate on P D’Mello Road, has significantly improved transportation to south Mumbai. However, the increased traffic at Orange Gate has become a challenge for the Mumbai Port Trust and the Main Post Office square on P D’Mello Marg. To address these issues and create a seamless road-based transit system, the MMRDA will construct a 9.23-km corridor that will link the Eastern Freeway's Orange Gate to the Coastal Road at Marine Drive.