September 4, 2025: The Maharashtra cabinet has approved the ambitious Virar–Alibaug Multimodal Corridor, a mega infrastructure project set to transform connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
According to reports, the state government has sanctioned Rs 22,250 crore for immediate land acquisition, with overall administrative approval fixed at Rs 37,013 crore. Designed as a 126.3 km high-speed transport corridor, the project will connect Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Sea Link, while integrating with key towns like Vasai, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, and Panvel.
Officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) said the project will now be executed under the “Build, Operate and Transfer” (BOT) model, after bids under the earlier EPC model exceeded estimates. “The land acquisition process will be fast-tracked, and tendering will be completed in the coming months,” officials said, adding that groundwork is expected to begin by early 2026.
The first phase will focus on a 96.41 km stretch between Navghar and Balavali. To ensure financial stability, the cabinet has cleared a comfort clause for HUDCO, guaranteeing loan repayments if MSRDC faces revenue shortfalls.
The project is expected to become a new logistics and transport backbone for Maharashtra.
Source: Swarajya
