- By Chetna Shree
- Fri, 01 Aug 2025 10:27 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mumbai: In a move to reduce traffic and improve connectivity with major highways, including the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, the Uttan-Virar Sea Link (UVSL) project gets a nod from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA). The project will go to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate for final approval, as the UVSL project will clear 15.39 hectares of mangrove forest and 2.5 hectares of reserved forest near the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will also acquire about 208.6 hectares of private land for construction. The UVSL aims to boost connectivity between Thane to Palghar through a fast coastal road.
Details About The Uttan-Virar Sea Link Project
This new eight-lane road will span over 55 kilometres, including a 24-kilometre sea link and three approach roads at Uttan, Vasai and Virar. The UVSL will connect Uttan in Thane district with Vasai and Virar in Palghar district, improving connectivity in the northern parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Once the construction is completed, it will reduce traffic load on key roads and will enhance connectivity with major highways, including the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. The UVSL project will include modern engineering features such as tunnels, realigned ramps, and special steel deck spans.
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Earlier, the Uttan-Virar Sea Link project was called the Versova-Virar Sea Link and was managed by a different agency. In 2022, the southern route was dropped to avoid overlap with another coastal road, an Indian Express report stated.
The cost of the construction of the UVSL project has been reduced from Rs 87,427 crore to Rs 52,652 crore. Funding for the project will come from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which will provide 72 per cent of the total project cost, and the remaining funds will come from the state government and MMRDA.