September 23, 2025: Commuting between South Mumbai and the northern suburbs is set to become significantly faster with the upcoming Dahisar-Bhayander highway. Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that, once completed, the journey from Nariman Point to Mira-Bhayander will take just 30 minutes.
The development comes after the Union Salt Commissioner transferred 53.17 acres of salt land to the Maharashtra government, removing a major obstacle that had stalled the project for years. Officials confirmed that this long-awaited handover now clears the way for construction to commence.
“The coastal road dream is now much closer to becoming a reality,” Sarnaik told The Free Press Journal, noting that land acquisition issues had previously delayed progress. The project involves a 60-metre-wide highway connecting Dahisar and Bhayander, which will eventually extend to Vasai-Virar, forming part of the larger Mumbai Coastal Road network.
Once completed, the new route will link Nariman Point directly to Uttan and Mira Road, providing faster access between South Mumbai and the northern suburbs. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will fully fund the estimated Rs 3,000 crore project, which is expected to be executed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and completed within the next three years.
The original coastal road plan, stretching along the shoreline from Uttan to Virar, faced opposition from local fishing communities concerned about the impact on their livelihoods. To address these concerns, the government revised the alignment to run further inland through Dahisar, Mira-Bhayander, and onwards to Vasai and Virar. Sarnaik described the revised route as a “win-win for all stakeholders,” balancing development with respect for traditional occupations.
Officials expect the highway to transform Mira-Bhayander into a key suburban hub and improve connectivity to South Mumbai. Faster travel is also projected to stimulate economic growth in Vasai and Virar, linking these areas more closely to the city’s commercial and business centres.
Source: News 18
