Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) presented a revised and economically viable plan for the Uttan-Virar Sea Link (UVSL) project to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
During the review meeting, CM Fadnavis directed that the proposed UVSL should be connected to the upcoming Vadhavan Port and the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Expressway), making it a crucial link connecting Mumbai to the ambitious Vadhavan Port project.
CM Fadnavis reviewed the UVSL project in a meeting held at the Cabinet Hall in Mantralaya. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Additional Commissioner Ashwin Mudgal, and other senior officials were present. Dr. Mukherjee gave a presentation detailing the project.
The project will be directly connected to the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway through the Virar connector, significantly improving freight and passenger movement between the northern suburbs and the western coastal corridor. CM Fadnavis emphasized that the project will not only create economic opportunities but also strengthen India’s port-led development vision.
Economical Alternative Finalized from Six Proposals
After detailed technical and engineering evaluations, MMRDA presented six cost variants ranging from ₹87,427 crore to ₹52,652 crore. The state leadership selected the ₹52,652 crore alternative as it was financially more viable, efficient, and environmentally friendly. The revised design has successfully brought down the cost from ₹87,427.17 crore to ₹52,652 crore.
Key Reasons for Cost Reduction:
Optimized Lane Design: Earlier plans included 4+4 lanes with emergency lanes. The revised plan includes 3+3 lanes for the main carriageway and 2+2 lanes for connectors, significantly reducing civil and structural costs.
Future Integration Planning : Budgeting was done keeping in mind inflation and the current road network, avoiding unnecessary costs.
Reduced Land Acquisition: Narrower lane widths and optimized alignment reduced the Right of Way (RoW), thereby lowering land acquisition and rehabilitation expenses.
Connector Structure Improvements: Earlier double-pillar designs were replaced with single-pillar structures, making the construction more cost-effective and eco-friendly.
Reduced Preliminary & Consultancy Costs: Cuts in temporary expenses, consultant fees, and other initial costs helped bring down the total budget significantly.
Project Overview:
Total Length: 55.12 km
Main Sea Link: 24.35 km
Connectors: 30.77 km
Uttan Connector (9.32 km) – to link with Dahisar-Bhayandar Link Road
Vasai Connector (2.5 km) – fully elevated
Virar Connector (18.95 km) – connecting to Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway
The main sea link will have a 3+3 lane configuration (25.1 meters wide), and connectors will have a 2+2 lane setup (18.55 meters wide), ensuring smooth transportation for the next three decades.
Funding Plan:
₹37,998 crore (72.17%) – To be raised through JICA/multilateral agencies (repayable via toll revenue), ₹14,654 crore (27.83%) – To be provided as equity by the Maharashtra Government/MMRDA, CM Fadnavis directed MMRDA to submit the updated Detailed Project Report (DPR) and Preliminary Project Report (PPR) to the government.
Strategic Importance:
The Uttan-Virar Sea Link will be a key component of MMR’s future transport network, directly linking Mumbai’s northern suburbs with Vadhavan Port and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor. It is expected to unlock significant new economic and connectivity potential across the region.
CM Fadnavis also instructed the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the project's implementation and called for fast-tracking the required approvals for the proposed alignment.
Senior officials including Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge, Principal Secretary Ashwini Bhide, Secretary Dr. Shrikanth Pardeshi, Urban Development ACS Asimkumar Gupta, Forest ACS Milind Mhaiskar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Ramrao, and commissioners of Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporations were present.
