by Deepak Sawant 
The Maharashtra government has approved a major upgrade for Marine Drive, Mumbai’s iconic sea-facing promenade and one of the most photographed roads in India. The plan is to widen the stretch from its current six lanes to 12 lanes over a 3-kilometer distance.
The widened section will run from NCPA (National Centre for the Performing Arts) — where Marine Drive begins on the southern end — all the way to the entrance of the Mumbai Coastal Road.
Why the Widening is Needed
The main reason behind this decision is to prepare for increased traffic once the Orange Gate Tunnel project is completed. This underground tunnel will connect Orange Gate in Mumbai Port Authority to Marine Drive, and it is expected to be operational by 2028.
The Orange Gate Tunnel aims to:
- Ease traffic congestion in South Mumbai
- Improve east–west connectivity
- Create a ring route that links the Eastern Freeway (leading to Atal Setu) with the Coastal Road
Government planners believe that once the tunnel opens, Marine Drive will experience a sharp rise in vehicle numbers, leading to traffic bottlenecks. Widening the road now is meant to prevent future jams.
Inside the Orange Gate Tunnel Project
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is building the tunnel, which will feature:
- 6.52 km dual tunnels (one for each direction)
- Dedicated emergency lanes
- Links to the Eastern Freeway and Coastal Road for smoother traffic flow
According to MMRDA records, 10% of the work has been completed so far. Once finished, the tunnel will provide a seamless travel route between Mumbai’s eastern and western waterfronts.
How Marine Drive Will Change
The proposed widening will run parallel to the existing Marine Drive road. To make space, part of the promenade and a small portion of the Arabian Sea will be reclaimed.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis approved the plan after a review meeting with top government officials at the Sahyadri Guest House. Speaking to Hindustan Times via text message, Fadnavis said:
“It’s a solution keeping the city’s needs 25 years ahead. We have already seen traffic jams here due to the Coastal Road tunnel during peak hours. We will ensure the nature of the Queen’s Necklace is not changed.”
The “Queen’s Necklace” refers to the famous night-time view of Marine Drive, where its streetlights form a glowing arc along the shoreline.
Police Concerns and Revised Plans
Interestingly, while the Mumbai Police had granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the Orange Gate Tunnel back in 2023, they recently flagged the risk of heavy congestion on Marine Drive after the tunnel opens.
In response, MMRDA explored several alternate alignments to manage traffic. After reviewing all options, the Chief Minister approved the road-widening plan as the most effective solution.
Estimated Cost and Timeline
The project is currently estimated to cost ₹500 crore.
Last year, a portion of Marine Drive was already widened to allow the construction of the Marine Drive to Worli arm of the Coastal Road. This experience is expected to help speed up the new expansion project.
If everything goes according to plan, the widening will be completed before the Orange Gate Tunnel opens in 2028.
Balancing Development and Heritage
One of the biggest challenges will be ensuring that Marine Drive’s historic and cultural charm remains intact. As Mumbai’s most recognizable road, it’s not just a traffic route — it’s a heritage site and a key part of the city’s identity.
Officials have promised that the widening will be done in a way that does not disturb the look and feel of the promenade. That means maintaining:
- The pedestrian-friendly walkway
- The iconic sea-facing seating areas
- The overall visual appeal that draws locals and tourists alike
Public Reaction and Debate
The decision has sparked a mix of reactions among Mumbai residents. Supporters say:
- It’s a forward-looking solution to prevent traffic jams
- It will improve connectivity and reduce travel times
- It aligns with the government’s plan to prepare for Mumbai’s long-term growth
Critics, however, raise concerns about:
- Environmental impact of reclaiming land from the Arabian Sea
- Possible changes to the historic character of Marine Drive
- Whether ₹500 crore could be better spent on public transport improvements
The Bigger Picture
This project is part of Mumbai’s larger urban transport transformation, which includes:
- The Mumbai Coastal Road — connecting South Mumbai to the western suburbs
- The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu) — connecting Mumbai to Navi Mumbai
- Multiple Metro lines under construction
When the Orange Gate Tunnel and the widened Marine Drive are both completed, South Mumbai will have a continuous high-speed connection from the Eastern Freeway to the Coastal Road, potentially cutting travel times dramatically.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Project: Marine Drive Widening
- Length: 3 km
- Current width: 6 lanes
- Proposed width: 12 lanes
- Reason: Anticipated traffic after Orange Gate Tunnel completion
- Cost: ₹500 crore (estimated)
- Completion target: Before 2028
- Impact: Part of promenade and Arabian Sea to be reclaimed
- Promise: Preserve Marine Drive’s iconic “Queen’s Necklace” look
What’s Next?
Detailed planning and environmental clearances will be the next steps. Once approvals are in place, reclamation and construction work will begin. Given Marine Drive’s location and heritage value, the project will likely face strict monitoring to ensure minimal disruption to the area’s public spaces and tourism appeal.
Final Word:
Marine Drive is more than a road — it’s a symbol of Mumbai. Expanding it to 12 lanes is a bold move aimed at preparing for the city’s future traffic needs. Whether it becomes a model of urban foresight or a point of controversy will depend on how well the government balances development, heritage preservation, and environmental responsibility.
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