Government organisations have been forced to design revolutionary infrastructure projects to help ensure smooth traffic flow due to Mumbai’s increasing vehicle congestion. One of these projects is the Uttan-Virar Sea Link (UVSL), a 55-kilometer project mostly over the water.
As part of the ambitious Ring Road project, the Mumbai Metropolitan Road Development Authority (MMRDA) is implementing the UVSL to provide smooth travel within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region by 2029.
This development combines with other infrastructure projects and comes after the Mumbai Coastal Road, which was extended from Worli to Bhayander by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). These initiatives work together to alleviate the congestion on the Link Road and Western Express Highway.
After undergoing peer review, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was sent to the Maharashtra government for approval. The project is anticipated to revolutionise travel efficiency in Mumbai and the surrounding metropolitan area if it is approved.
This ambitious water link has the potential to become a vital piece of infrastructure that would improve connectivity and ease traffic in the Mumbai Metropolitan Area. It is necessary to seek permission from multiple agencies.
Originally, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC) was supposed to handle the project. However, at the behest of the then-government, it was turned over to MMRDA. The previous alignment was close to 94 km. However because MMRDA had to complete the Sea Link project as an extension of BMC’s coastal road project to connect up to Bhayander from the existing Worli, the distance was significantly shortened.
However, the project’s expected cost has gone up considerably. The causes of the cost increase have not yet been determined. The MSRDC has suggested that the project be completed in 2021 for an approximate cost of Rs 32,865 crore.
Source: The Indian Express