4 min readMumbaiUpdated: Nov 26, 2025 10:59 AM IST
"With the DPR approved, the project will move to the tendering stage once the Centre clears the foreign funding plan," said officials further describing the sea link as one of the most significant road projects planned for the region after the Bandra–Worli Sea Link and the Mumbai Coastal Road.
The Maharashtra government on Tuesday gave its nod to a Detailed Project Report (DPR) costing Rs 58,754 crore for the Uttan-Virar Sea Link. This will be a major push to the 120-km coastal corridor that aims to connect South Mumbai with Palghar and with the upcoming Vadhavan deep-sea port.
With the state government’s clearance in place, the project will now be sent to the Union government for permission to raise foreign loans, which are expected to fund most of the construction.
Planned as the Mumbai–Vadhavan Expressway Corridor (MVEC), the coastal route is designed to act as a parallel high-speed spine to the Western Express Highway and the western suburban roads.
MMRDA officials said the corridor is expected to ease congestion across the region and sharply reduce travel time between the island city and the northern suburbs. It will also offer a direct link for vehicles from Gujarat and Delhi—via the under-construction Mumbai–Delhi Expressway—to reach South Mumbai through Vadhavan without entering the western suburbs.
“The government of Maharashtra has cleared the Uttan–Virar Sea Link and its extension to Vadhavan Port, unlocking a 120-km, fully access-controlled coastal expressway that will connect South Mumbai to Vasai, Virar, Palghar and India’s upcoming largest deep-sea port.
The MVEC will not only bring Mumbai closer to its far suburbs, but also serve as a new gateway to India’s growth, integrating major expressways, coastal roads and future national corridors into one seamless, high-speed network for people, freight and industry,” the MMRDA official said.
The core of the project is a 24.35-km sea bridge between Uttan and Virar, which will be the country’s longest sea link. The total project length under the DPR is 55.12 km, including connectors at Uttan (9.32 km), Vasai (2.5 km) and Virar (18.95 km).
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The officials said the corridor with over 30 km connectors will have six lanes, emergency shoulders, navigational spans and an Intelligent Transport System for traffic monitoring and incident response.
“Once completed, MVEC will ease congestion on WEH, SV Road and Link Road, cut travel time across the region and create thousands of jobs. It will also unlock land along the Uttan–Bhayandar, Vasai and Virar belt, opening new avenues of growth for local communities. With the proposal now recommended to the Union government, MMR’s next era of connectivity and coastal development has truly begun,” the officials added.
To fund the project, the state has allowed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to raise Rs 44,332 crore from foreign financial institutions, with Japan’s JICA being explored as the main lender. The state’s share will be Rs 11,116 crore, covering taxes, land acquisition and rehabilitation, while MMRDA will contribute Rs 3,306 crore. The proposal for foreign borrowing will now be sent to the Union Department of Economic Affairs.
Officials said the corridor is expected to open up large stretches along the Uttan–Bhayandar, Vasai and Virar belt, where better connectivity could boost housing, tourism and port-related industries once Vadhavan Port is operational. Construction of the link and its connectors is also expected to generate several thousand jobs.
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“With the DPR approved, the project will move to the tendering stage once the Centre clears the foreign funding plan,” said officials further describing the sea link as one of the most significant road projects planned for the region after the Bandra–Worli Sea Link and the Mumbai Coastal Road.
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai.
Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including:
Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.
Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).
Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development.
Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments.
Experience
Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting.
Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism.
Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra.
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