Japan pledges support to Mumbai’s Versova Virar Sea Link plan: Devendra Fadnavis

Fadnavis said, “The Japanese minister appreciated the state’s initiatives to undertake VVSL. He said infrastructure projects will increase productivity and efficiency in Mumbai.”

The DyCM said, “It was heartening to see that Hon Nishimura came prepared with the map of the proposed VVSL project, complete with alignment and other details. At the end of the meeting, Nishimura promised all necessary support to facilitate this transformative project that will provide super fast connectivity to most western suburbs upto Virar.”

VVSL is a 43-km eight lane proposed elevated road along the western coast of Mumbai that will originate from Versova in the western suburbs and will end at the satellite city of Virar. The cost of the proposed mega project, which has got cabinet approval, is estimated Rs 63,426 crore.

The project, to be executed by MMRDA, involves a 43-km road over the sea about 1 km off the coast of Mumbai and 60 kilometres of suburban roads, including connector roads and junctions.

On the fourth day of his Japan tour, Fadnavis also met Ms Atsuko Nishigaki, vice-governor of Ishikawa Prefecture, which has companies that manufacture textiles, machinery, food and beverages.

Fadnavis said, “They look forward to investing in Maharashtra and are keen to come to the Japanese industrial park in Supa, especially in the digital sector. We also discussed green hydrogen, automobiles and renewable energy sectors.”

The Dy CM said he extended an invitation to the Vice Governor to visit Maharashtra, leading a business delegation from Ishikawa-based companies, assuring him that the Maharashtra government will extend support and facilities to set up businesses.

“We agreed to set a timeline to formalise this new chapter of Maharashtra–Ishikawa relationship. Accordingly, a team from Maharashtra will visit Ishikawa Prefecture for further coordination and working,” he said, adding that the Ishikawa Governor plans to visit Maharashtra in 2024.

As part of the series of meetings and deliberations, Hisahiro Nishimoto, group vice-president of Mitsubishi Electric, a leading worldwide manufacturer of electrical and electronic products, met Fadnavis in Tokyo on Thursday. The phase 1 work of their Talegaon plant is in full swing and will be operational in December 2023.

Expressing the government’s resolve to attract investors, Fadnavis said, “Maharashtra is keen to bring semiconductor businesses and Mitsubishi Electric is positive about its future expansion in Maharashtra… It is also exploring partnerships in software, particularly in Pune region.”