India, May 4 -- The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) approved the proposed extension of the Orange Gate-Marine Drive tunnel on April 19, MMRDA officials said on Sunday. The tunnel will connect the Eastern Freeway and Atal Setu to the Coastal Road.

The underground tunnel was earlier planned to terminate at Maratha Bhavan on Marine Drive but will now extend further and end near the PM Hindu Swimming Bath & Boat Club, popularly called Mafatlal Swimming Pool, near Girgaum Chowpatty.

MMRDA said the tunnel's end point is being pushed further north based on a recommendation by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Government sources said the reason is to avoid traffic congestion along the Queen's Necklace, the iconic tourist h...