Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the 24-km Uttan-Virar Sea Link to the govt of Maharashtra for approval. The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion on the Western Express Highway and SV Road in the western suburbs.
A senior MMRDA official confirmed that the DPR underwent peer review and was submitted to the Maharashtra govt on Jan 13, 2025. The necessary clearances and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) are currently being obtained. MMRDA plans to secure project funding through a bilateral funding agency once approval is granted by the govt.
The Uttan connector will link Bhayander near Subhash Chandra Bose Ground, while at the Virar-end, the project will connect with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway. This project will integrate with major infrastructure initiatives, forming part of the Mumbai Ring Road concept. It will significantly reduce traffic congestion in Mumbai and the surrounding areas, while also providing quicker access to the Delhi-Mumbai Highway. Additionally, it will promote substantial development in the northern MMR region and connect the Dahisar-Bhayander Link Road with the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway.
Earlier, MMRDA planned the stretch from Versova instead of Uttan. A senior MMRDA official said, “We have avoided duplication of projects by dropping the Versova-Dahisar project since BMC is trying to link these destinations, even though by an alternative route. This will help us save Rs 25,000 crore that can be used to construct the Virar-Palghar stretch.”
Since BMC’s coastal road will end at Dahisar, L&T will construct the 5-km Dahisar-Bhayander Link Road (the last extension of the Coastal Road). BMC’s Versova-Dahisar connector will have double elevated roads, a road on stilts, a cable-stayed bridge, and a cut and cover tunnel below the creek. All phases of the coastal road, once complete, will ensure access-controlled signal-free connectivity between Marine Drive and Bhayander and then Virar.
The culmination of this project will help decongest SV Road, Linking Road, and Western Express Highway.