In a major push to Maharashtra’s transport infrastructure, the state Urban Development Department has issued a Government Resolution (GR) approving the first phase of the ambitious Virar–Alibaug Multi-Modal Corridor project. The decision, cleared on May 7, 2026, marks a significant step forward for a project that has remained under planning for more than a decade.
The large-scale corridor is aimed at reducing congestion across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) by creating a high-speed link connecting Virar, Navi Mumbai, JNPT and Alibaug, while bypassing Mumbai’s crowded urban core.
The overall project spans 126 km, though the current approval covers Phase 1 — a 96.41-km stretch between Navghar in Vasai and Balavali in Pen. The estimated cost of this phase is Rs 31,793.47 crore.
According to reports, the Maharashtra government has decided to implement the project through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) framework after earlier bids exceeded projected costs. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has been appointed as the executing agency.
The proposed corridor will include up to 14 lanes, featuring 8 to 10 primary expressway lanes along with service roads. The project will also integrate Metro Line 14, dedicated Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) lanes and utility infrastructure such as water and gas pipelines within the same alignment.
Nine key interchanges are planned to connect the route with major transport corridors including the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Highway, Mumbai–Pune Expressway, and the Atal Setu. Once completed, the travel time between Virar and Alibaug is expected to be reduced by nearly 90 minutes.
The corridor will pass through 104 villages in Palghar, Thane and Raigad districts. While the state had earlier approved over Rs 22,000 crore for land acquisition, the latest clearance enables construction work to commence. MSRDC has set a three-year deadline to complete Phase 1, with priority construction planned for the section that overlaps with the Vadodara–Mumbai Expressway.
Officials said the project is expected to improve logistics movement, support the Navi Mumbai International Airport region and strengthen connectivity to JNPT, one of India’s busiest ports.
Source: Money Control
