The proposed Uttan-Virar Sea Link project of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has moved forward after the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways granted in-principle approval for a crucial interchange connecting the project with the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway.
The approval clears a major hurdle for the 18.95-km Virar Link section of the 55.12-km Uttan-Virar Sea Bridge project. Once operational, the interchange will provide direct access to the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway, enabling commuters from South Mumbai, including areas such as Nariman Point, to reach the expressway within a significantly shorter travel time.
The Uttan-Virar Sea Link is part of Mumbai’s larger coastal connectivity network, which aims to extend the existing Bandra-Versova Sea Link further north through the Versova-Bhayander Sea Link and the Uttan-Virar and Virar-Palghar corridors. The MMRDA is developing the project to improve connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The 55.12-km project comprises a 24.35-km main sea link and three connecting routes with a combined length of 30.77 km. These include the 9.32-km Uttan Link, the 2.5-km Vasai Link and the 18.95-km Virar Link. A total of six interchanges are planned across these corridors, with the final interchange on the Virar Link designed to connect directly with the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway.
The Mumbai-Delhi Expressway, being developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), spans around 1,350 km and is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Delhi to approximately 12-13 hours. To provide faster access to this highway from South Mumbai and the western suburbs, MMRDA had proposed an interchange through the Uttan-Virar Sea Link.
The approval process for the Virar Link and the expressway connection had been pending since 2023, as clearances from NHAI and the Union Ministry were required. MMRDA officials confirmed that in-principle approval was granted during a meeting held last week, while final approval is awaited.
Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee confirmed the development while speaking to ‘Loksatta’. He said, “The road to connect the Sagri Setu and the Mumbai-Delhi highway is now open.”
Although construction work on the Uttan-Virar Sea Link is yet to begin, officials believe the completed project will transform regional connectivity. The route will eventually allow vehicles to travel from South Mumbai through the Coastal Road, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Bandra-Versova Sea Link, Versova-Bhayander corridor and Uttan-Virar Sea Link before accessing the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway, creating a faster and more efficient transport network for commuters.
Source: Loksatta
