Maharashtra has granted administrative approval for phase one of the 14-lane Virar-Alibaug Multi-Modal Transport Corridor, an access-controlled route to improve connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and link the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. The first phase spans 126.06 km and is estimated at Rs 317.93 billion. The Urban Development Department lists the construction cost at Rs 215.34 billion. The alignment is proposed through 104 villages across Vasai, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Ambernath, Panvel, Uran, Pen and Alibaug talukas and will connect major national highways and expressways, with nine interchanges planned. Officials expect the corridor to ease congestion, cut travel time by around 90 minutes and boost links to ports and logistics hubs across the region. Phase one will construct a 96.41 km stretch from Navghar in Vasai taluka to Balavali in Pen taluka. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation has been authorised to execute the phase on a design, build, finance, operate and transfer basis under a public private partnership model, following Cabinet committee approval in March. The resolution notes earlier approvals of Rs 222.5 billion for land acquisition and Rs 147.63 billion for interest liabilities, bringing a wider phase one estimate to Rs 370.13 billion. Viability gap funding of roughly Rs 62.59 billion and equal to 19.80 per cent of the project cost, has been sanctioned. The proposal sets a three-year construction deadline and requires priority completion of the common stretch overlapping the NHAI spur within one-and-a-half years, and will be sent to the Centre’s PPP Appraisal Committee for approval. Toll collection will be fully digital using FASTag and GPS with charges linked to distance and a proposed toll of Rs 765 for cars and jeeps under a 40-year concession. Officials have outlined the implementation timeline and financing structure while seeking central clearance.