In a major step to prevent traffic jams in the near future, the Maharashtra government has decided to take an early step to widen the iconic Marine Drive from its current six-lane to 12, the Hindustan Times reported.
The decision was prompted by the construction of a tunnel connecting Orange Gate to Marine Drive. The tunnel is expected to be completed in 2028, and it is likely that the vehicular movement on Marine Drive will swell, creating a need for widening the road.
The report suggests that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved the plan for the same during a meeting with the senior government officials at the Sahyadri Guest House on Friday.
During the discussion, the traffic problems between the Princess Street flyover and the NCPA, after the operationalisation of the tunnel and the Coastal Road extension, were discussed.
Later, CM Fadnavis confirmed the decision in a message. He said, "It's a solution looking 25 years ahead. We have already seen heavy traffic near the Coastal Road tunnel during rush hours. But we will make sure that the beauty of the Queen's Necklace is not disturbed."
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It must be noted that the Orange Gate-Marine Drive Tunnel is being built by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The tunnel will link the Eastern Freeway and the Atal Setu to Marine Drive and the Coastal Road.
It is a ring-road-style project that would significantly improve the travel experience across Mumbai. The apprehensions regarding traffic jams after the tunnel completion surfaced after the Mumbai Traffic Police raised concerns.
Although the NOC for the project was given by the Mumbai traffic police only. After the concerns were raised, the MMRDA explored alternatives like constructing a road under Oval Maidan or through the Navy's dockyard area, none of which were found practical. Eventually, the widening of Marine Drive was approved.