Mumbai's iconic Marine Drive heritage buildings face tunnel project risk

India Dec 20, 2025

Mumbai's Marine Drive, famous for its Art Deco and Victorian Gothic buildings (yep, the ones that got UNESCO World Heritage status in 2018), is at the center of a heated debate.
The city's plan for a new twin tunnel could put 16 of these historic landmarks at risk, as blasting and tunneling are planned dangerously close to them.

Residents push for safer routes

Worried about possible damage—especially after past construction shook up their homes—locals have suggested alternate routes like Girgaon Chowpatty or Bal Bhavan to protect these buildings.
While officials haven't committed to any changes yet (thanks to election rules slowing things down), residents are still fighting hard to keep Mumbai's heritage safe.