November 26, 2025: The Maharashtra government on Tuesday issued a government resolution (GR) formally approving Phase 1 of the ambitious Uttan–Virar Sea Link project. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will execute the mega infrastructure development at a revised project cost of Rs 58,754 crore. The approval follows the recent nod from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis during a cabinet committee meeting on infrastructure, in which the redesigned version of the sea link was sanctioned—bringing down the earlier cost by Rs 30,000 crore. The reduction comes from a slimmer design that scales down the width of the bridge, ramp roads, and other structural elements.
As per the GR, the Uttan–Virar Sea Link will span a total of 55.12 km, including 24.35 km of main sea link and 30.77 km of connector roads. The construction period is estimated at 60 months, marking it as one of the most extensive coastal connectivity projects planned in the region.
Detailing the financial structure, the GR notes: “The state government will provide Rs 11,116 crore as an interest-free soft loan to support the Uttan–Virar Sea Link project. This includes Rs 8,236 crore towards state and central taxes, Rs 2,619 crore for land acquisition, and Rs 261 crore for rehabilitation and resettlement.” Additionally, MMRDA will invest Rs 3,306 crore from its own funds, while the remaining Rs 44,332 crore will be secured through external borrowings from bilateral or multilateral financial agencies. The project will follow a 25% equity and 75% debt model.
MMRDA has also been authorised to collect tolls through a Dedicated Access Control system and generate revenue via advertisements and commercial activities to service the debt. While the repayment responsibility lies primarily with MMRDA, the state has agreed to take on contingent liabilities if needed.
Once completed, the Uttan–Virar Sea Link will serve as a vital connector between Mumbai’s suburban stretch and the upcoming Vadhavan Port, significantly easing congestion and strengthening mobility along the western corridor.
