December 31, 2025: The proposed Virar–Alibaug Multimodal Corridor has begun affecting affordable housing projects in Kalyan even before full-scale construction of the corridor has commenced. The issue has arisen after the approved alignment of the 126-kilometre greenfield project was found to pass through Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) land in the Shirdhon area, which had been earmarked for Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Lower Income Group (LIG) and Middle Income Group (MIG) housing.
The corridor, being executed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), is planned with dedicated lanes for private vehicles, buses and rail transport. Officials say the project is intended to strengthen north–south connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), ease traffic congestion and support economic activity by linking major cities and emerging growth centres.
As per the approved plan, a continuous stretch of Mhada land measuring around 500 metres in length and 100 metres in width will be required for the corridor. Nearly five hectares from the Shirdhon land parcel is proposed to be acquired. While officials note that a portion of the land remains vacant, the alignment cuts across most of the holding, affecting both ongoing and planned affordable housing developments.
Homes in the Shirdhon area had already been allotted to buyers under Mhada’s EWS, LIG and MIG lottery schemes. The proposed acquisition is expected to result in delays and possible changes in the availability of plots and completed units for some allottees. Mhada has approached MSRDC seeking compensation of ₹50 crore for the land that will be taken for the corridor.
The Virar–Alibaug corridor received a funding push earlier this year after the state government approved a borrowing guarantee of Rs 22,250 crore from HUDCO. Conceptualised in 2010, the project aims to decongest urban centres, spur regional growth, and create new business hubs along its route. Bids have already been invited for the first phase between Navghar in Thane and Balavali in Raigad.
Officials acknowledge that while the corridor promises long-term transport and economic benefits, the situation underscores the challenge of balancing major infrastructure development with affordable housing objectives. Effective coordination between Mhada, MSRDC, and affected homebuyers will be critical to manage disruptions and keep housing projects on track.
