According to a government resolution (GR), the MMRDA will execute the project, which is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between Mumbai’s western suburbs and the Palghar region, where the proposed Vadhavan Port is set to come up
Maharashtra govt approved the DPR and implementation plan for Phase I of the Uttan-Virar Sea Link project. Representational Pic/videograb/@MMRDAOfficial
Maharashtra government on Tuesday approved the detailed project report (DPR) and implementation plan for Phase I of the Uttan-Virar Sea Link project, an “ambitious urban transport” initiative to be constructed at a cost of Rs 58,754.71 crore, an official said, reported the PTI.
According to a government resolution (GR), the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will execute the project, which is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between Mumbai’s western suburbs and the Palghar region, where the proposed Vadhavan Port is set to come up.
The project, which is estimated to be completed within 60 months, comprises a 24.35-km main sea link and 30.77 km of connecting roads at Uttan, Vasai and Virar, covering a total length of 55.12 km.
The government has approved the MMRDA’s DPR and authorised the implementation of the project, which will be known as the Mumbai-Vadhavan Expressway Connectivity in subsequent phases, according to the PTI.
The state will provide Rs 11,116.27 crore as non-interest financial support to the MMRDA.
It includes taxes payable to the Centre and state governments, Rs 2,619 crore for land acquisition and Rs 261 crore for rehabilitation and resettlement. The remaining funds will be sourced from the development authority’s own share and external borrowings, the GR stated, as per the PTI.
The government has designated the sea link as an “ambitious urban transport” and “public utility” project, which will facilitate smoother approvals under development and municipal regulations.
Local bodies have been instructed to update their development plans to include the project’s alignment, thereby enabling timely land acquisition. Government land required for the project will be transferred to the MMRDA free of cost, while private land will be obtained through existing legal mechanisms or via development rights, the news agency reported.
To ensure long-term financial viability, the MMRDA has also been authorised to impose tolls using a controlled-access system, collect user fees and generate revenue through advertising and commercial services.
The project is also expected to ease congestion on existing arterial routes and support economic growth across the northern Mumbai Metropolitan Region by improving access, reducing travel time and strengthening regional transport integration.
(with PTI inputs)
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