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Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced the extension of the ambitious Uttan-Virar Sea Link (UVSL) project up to Vadhavan Port. The extension up to Vadhavan Port will further improve north-south connectivity, thus easing traffic on Western Express Highway (WEH), SV Road, and Link Road. Here’s all you need to know about the project. Virar-Uttan Sea Link: Length 55.12 km with 24.35-Km sea bridge Fadnavis said the Uttan-Virar Sea Link will cover a total stretch of 55.12 km, with a 24.35-km main sea bridge. It will be supported by link roads connecting Uttan (9.32 km), Vasai (2.5 km), and Virar (18.95 km). News18 reported how the decision was made during the Cabinet Infrastructure Committee meeting held in Mumbai, chaired by the chief minister and attended by deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with other key ministers and senior officials. From Sea Link to Ring Road: Infrastructure for a Better Tomorrow Chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, focusing on key connectivity and transport projects across Maharashtra. Approval was granted to extend the Uttan–Virar Sea Link up to Vadhavan Port… https://t.co/hoDwBOLp3r pic.twitter.com/qJmmK40wEA — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) November 4, 2025 What was the original plan for UVSL? Originally conceptualized as the Versova-Virar Sea Link (VVSL) under MSRDC, the project was transferred to MMRDA in October 2022. Subsequently, in February 2024, it was reorganized into two actionable phases: Phase-1 (Uttan to Virar) and Phase-2 (Virar to Palghar), which is currently undergoing feasibility studies. How the project will ease Mumbai travel: What MMRDA document says The Uttan-Virar Sea Link will establish a high-speed, eight-lane north-south corridor within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), linking directly to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, as per the document. This corridor is expected to become a key access controlled road, facilitating swift intercity transit. It will relieve pressure on existing arterial roads such as the Western Express Highway, S.V. Road, and Link Road. This will result in enhanced road safety, lower travel times, and a noticeable decrease in noise and air pollution. The sea link will streamline transportation and improve access to residential, commercial, and industrial zones. It will also foster stronger economic integration between Maharashtra and neighboring states by connecting logistical hubs and enabling smoother movement of goods and people. With enhanced infrastructure, the UVSL is expected to attract substantial investments, paving the way for the development of industrial clusters and commercial centers. The construction and operational phases of the project will generate extensive employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly. This surge in job creation will uplift income levels among local populations, promoting economic freedom and long-term stability. The improved road infrastructure will drastically cut down emergency response times for ambulances, fire brigades, and disaster management services—thus strengthening public safety frameworks. About Vadhavan Port The Vadhavan port, located around 130 km north of Mumbai near Dahanu on Maharashtra’s west coast, is an all-weather Greenfield deep-draft major port off the Arabian Sea. It is the 13th port in India with a capacity of around 298 million tonnes. The port is a collaboration between Vadhavan Port Project Ltd (VPPL) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). The Maharashtra government has approved the construction of a 104.89-km high-speed freight corridor connecting the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Palghar district to the Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg at Bharvir in Nashik district.
