Unews World
Mumbai is set for one of its biggest transport upgrades yet, with the Maharashtra government approving the detailed project report and implementation plan for Phase I of the Uttan–Virar Sea Link — a development that will anchor a larger 120-km high-speed coastal corridor. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) said on X that the new corridor will “transform how Mumbai moves” by connecting South Mumbai to Vasai, Virar, Palghar and the upcoming Vadhavan Port through a fully access-controlled expressway.The government’s decision clears the way for the Mumbai–Vadhavan Expressway Corridor (MVEC), which will integrate coastal roads, major expressways and future national corridors into a single fast-moving network. As per news agency PTI, the DPR pegs the cost of Phase I at Rs 58,754.71 crore and places the completion timeline at 60 months. The project will be implemented by MMRDA and later expanded towards Vadhavan Port.The corridor’s centrepiece is the 24.35-km Uttan–Virar Sea Link, set to become India’s longest sea bridge. Along with 30.77 km of connecting roads, the full stretch in this phase will span 55.12 km. According to the government resolution, the state will provide Rs 11,116.27 crore as non-interest financial support, including taxes, land acquisition costs and rehabilitation. Remaining funds will come from MMRDA’s own share and external loans.Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis earlier said the extension up to Vadhavan Port would “enhance north-south connectivity across Mumbai and significantly reduce traffic congestion,” reported PTI. He also noted that the Western Express Highway, SV Road and Link Road are already operating beyond capacity.Key Features of the Uttan–Virar Sea Link (Phase I)
Main components
- The project includes a 24.35-km main sea link, which is set to become India’s longest.
- It also features 30.77 km of connecting roads that link the main bridge to surrounding areas.
- Of these connectors, 9.32 km will be developed at Uttan as part of the access network.
- Another 2.5 km stretch at Vasai will serve as a crucial connecting segment.
- Additionally, 18.95 km of connectors at Virar will strengthen onward regional connectivity.
- With these components combined, Phase I of the project will span a total length of 55.12 km.
Design & infrastructure
- The sea link will operate as a six-lane, fully access-controlled expressway to ensure smooth and fast movement.
- It will include dedicated emergency lanes to support breakdown response and enhance safety.
- The structure will incorporate navigational spans, allowing uninterrupted marine traffic below the bridge.
- A full Intelligent Transport System will be deployed to manage monitoring, safety, and real-time traffic operations.
- The entire corridor will be smart-mobility enabled and engineered for high-speed travel, supporting efficient movement across the region.
Funding & approvals
- Rs 58,754.71 crore project cost (PTI)
- Rs 11,116.27 crore state support covering taxes, land acquisition and rehabilitation
- Remaining cost met through MMRDA funds + external loans
- Classified as an “ambitious urban transport” and public utility project, ensuring smoother clearances
- Local bodies instructed to update development plans for land acquisition
- Government land to be transferred free of cost; private land acquired through statutes or development rights
- MMRDA permitted to levy tolls, charge user fees, and earn via advertising and commercial services.
Expected benefits
- Major relief for WEH, SV Road and Link Road, all carrying traffic beyond capacity
- Shorter travel times across the region
- Lower emissions
- Boost to affordable housing, tourism, and port-led development
- Thousands of new jobs in construction, logistics and emerging coastal hubs
- Unlocking land along Uttan–Bhayandar, Vasai and Virar, creating new local economic zones
- A direct high-speed link to Vadhavan Port, set to become India’s largest deep-sea port.
Fadnavis was quoted by PTI as saying that the project aligns with Mumbai’s broader transport transformation, which includes the Coastal Road, Bandra–Worli Sea Link, Atal Setu, Orange Gate Tunnel, Versova–Bandra Sea Link, North Coastal Road, the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway and Sewri–Worli elevated corridor.MMRDA said the MVEC marks “a new coast, a new corridor and a new wave of opportunities,” signalling the start of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s next phase of coastal-driven development.
