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In a significant push to strengthen Maharashtra’s infrastructure, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the extension of the ambitious Uttan-Virar Sea Link project up to Vadhavan Port. 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. Speaking after the meeting, CM 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). The extension up to Vadhavan Port will further improve north-south connectivity along Mumbai’s coastline, easing traffic on Western Express Highway, SV Road, and Link Road—all currently operating beyond capacity. The chief minister noted that several other major infrastructure projects are progressing rapidly, including the Coastal Road, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Atal Setu, Orange Gate Tunnel, Versova-Bandra Sea Link, and Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. “Once completed, these projects will ensure seamless travel and transform Mumbai’s commuting experience,” he said. The committee also cleared the long-awaited Nashik Ring Road project, aimed at easing movement during the upcoming Kumbh Mela. The plan includes an inner and outer ring road network covering 66 km, with work expected to be completed between March and June 2027. The required land acquisition has been approved, and the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority will bear the project cost. For Pune, which is Maharashtra’s second-largest city, CM Fadnavis directed officials to expedite ongoing metro projects and improve traffic systems. The Pune Metro, currently expanding to six-coach trains, has multiple lines under development, including the elevated Chinchwad-Nigdi stretch (to be completed by January 2027) and the underground Swargate-Katraj route (targeted for March 2029). The Vanaz-Chandni Chowk and Ramwadi-Wagholi corridors are also planned for completion by mid-2029. To enhance connectivity to the upcoming Purandar Airport, the chief minister instructed officials to integrate metro and road access with ample parking through multi-level facilities. He emphasised timely land acquisition and coordination among departments to ensure projects stay on schedule, underscoring Maharashtra’s commitment to future-ready urban transport.
