Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 4: The Maharashtra Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, chaired by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday approved the extension of the ambitious Uttan–Virar sea link up to the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Palghar district, marking a major step in the state’s efforts to decongest Mumbai’s road network and enhance coastal connectivity.

Announcing the decision, Fadnavis said the project is part of a broader initiative to ease traffic on key routes such as the Western Express Highway, SV Road, and Link Road. “We are expanding multiple infrastructure projects to make Mumbai’s transport seamless and future-ready,” he said.

The proposed Uttan–Virar Sea Bridge will span 55.12 km, with the main sea bridge covering 24.35 km. The project includes a 9.32 km Uttan link road, 2.5 km Vasai link road, and an 18.95 km Virar link road, all extending to the Vadhavan Port.

The Chief Minister noted that several other major projects are underway to strengthen Mumbai’s north-south connectivity — including the Coastal Road, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Atal Setu, Versova-Bandra Sea Bridge, Orange Gate Tunnel, and Sewri-Worli Elevated Road, among others.

Fadnavis also revealed plans for two additional key corridors — the Uttan–Virar Sea Bridge and the Virar–Alibaug Multipurpose Corridor — to improve mobility across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. “These projects will significantly reduce travel time and improve traffic flow across Mumbai’s western coast,” he said.

In Nashik, preparations are being made for the upcoming Kumbh Mela, with plans to construct a ring road and inter-ring road to handle the expected influx of devotees from seven routes. The 66 km inter-ring road project is slated for completion between March and June 2027, with land acquisition costs to be borne by the Nashik Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority.

Turning to Pune, Fadnavis emphasized the importance of enhancing urban transport in Maharashtra’s second-largest city. He directed the administration to accelerate metro projects and complete them within three years.

Key metro developments include:

• 4.4 km elevated metro from PCMC to Nigdi (completion by Jan 2027)
• Underground metro from Swargate to Katraj (completion by Mar 2029)
• Corridors from Vanaz–Chandni Chowk and Ramwadi–Wagholi/Vitthalwadi (completion by July 2029)

The Chief Minister instructed officials to expedite work on Pune Metro Line 3 and initiate land acquisition for the Kharadi–Hadapsar–Swargate–Khadakwasla route.

He also proposed extending the Hadapsar–Saswad corridor to the upcoming Purandar Airport via a tunnel, along with the development of roads, metro access, and multi-level parking facilities to support the airport’s infrastructure.

“These projects will not only modernize Maharashtra’s transport network but also lay the foundation for faster, more efficient urban growth,” Fadnavis said.