Fadnavis Seeks Central Approval for JICA Funding for Uttan-Virar Sea Link Project
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has sought approval from the Union Finance Ministry to secure funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the Mumbai-Vadhavan Expressway Connectivity Project, which includes the proposed Uttan-Virar Sea Link.
Fadnavis met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi to request central backing for the external funding. According to the Chief Minister, the Finance Minister assured positive consideration and support for the key infrastructure initiative.
The proposed Uttan-Virar Sea Link forms Phase 1 of the larger Versova-Virar Sea Link project. Data from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) indicates that Phase 1 will cover a total length of 55.12 km. This includes a 24.35-km offshore sea link alongside road connections measuring 9.32 km at Uttan, 2.5 km at Vasai, and 18.95 km at Virar.
The project was originally planned under the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation as the Versova-Virar Sea Link before being transferred to the MMRDA. In 2024, authorities split the project into implementation phases, establishing the Uttan-Virar section as Phase 1 while assessing the Virar-Palghar stretch separately.
The project is designed to enhance coastal connectivity across the northern parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, linking residential, commercial, and industrial clusters. It will also serve as a vital link to the upcoming Vadhavan Port and integrate with the regional ring-road network and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.
The state government had earlier estimated the cost of the Uttan-Virar bridge and associated road connectors at Rs 87,427 crore, though design and planning modifications have since led to revised cost estimates. The state is pursuing external financial assistance to execute the corridor. JICA has previously financed major urban transit works in the region, including the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link and the underground Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro 3 line.
