In a significant move to streamline infrastructure expenditure, the Maharashtra government has approved a revised cost of ₹52,000 crore for the Uttan-Virar Sea Link project, sharply down from the earlier estimates that ranged from ₹32,000 crore to as high as ₹87,000 crore. The revised plan was approved by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde following a detailed project review.
The decision, taken at a meeting held at the Chief Minister’s office, is expected to reduce both the overall cost and physical footprint of one of the state’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.
Initially, the proposed sea bridge was planned between Versova and Virar and was under the jurisdiction of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). Later, the project was transferred to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), and the route was altered to connect Uttan and Virar. While this change led to a shorter route, construction costs had escalated to ₹87,000 crore.
In the newly revised plan, key modifications have helped bring down the estimated expenditure:
Reduced lanes: The bridge will now have two or three lanes instead of four.
Optimized design: The number of supporting pillars will be reduced through improved engineering design.
Lowered associated costs: These changes will lead to reductions in land acquisition, environmental impact, and long-term maintenance expenses.
Total Length: 55.12 km
Sea Link: 24.35 km
Link Roads: 30.77 km
Funding: 72% of the project will be financed through loans from JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and other multilateral institutions, with the cost to be recovered via toll collection.
The Uttan-Virar Sea Link will serve as a critical infrastructure connection linking the Uttan, Vasai, and Virar areas directly to the Baroda-Mumbai Expressway. It is also expected to ease traffic congestion on the west coast and provide direct connectivity to the proposed Vadhavan Port.
“This link will not only enhance transportation but also drive economic growth and port-based development in the region,” said Chief Minister Fadnavis.
MMRDA has been instructed to submit a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) and Preliminary Project Report (PPR). Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik and other senior officials were also present at the meeting where the revised plan was discussed and finalized.