The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the development of the first phase of the Virar-Alibaug Multi-Modal Transport Corridor under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. The ambitious 165-kilometre arterial route aims to ease congestion in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and enhance regional connectivity.

Originally proposed through standard contracts, the project saw bids rise far beyond estimates. Tenders floated by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) worth Rs 193.34 billion were met with contractor quotes 36 per cent higher, pushing projected costs to Rs 260 billion. Despite thorough review and negotiations, final estimates remained around Rs 250 billion, leading to mounting criticism and funding concerns.

In response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recommended a shift to the BOT model in March 2025 to ease financial strain. Under this model, a private developer will construct and operate the corridor for a concession period, recover the investment via toll revenue, and transfer the asset back to the state.

The Cabinet has now approved the MSRDC’s revised BOT proposal submitted in April. As a result, earlier tenders have been cancelled.

The 96.41-kilometre Phase 1 will connect Navghar in Palghar district to Balavali in Pen taluka. The corridor is designed to link Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport with major highways, including NH-48 (Mumbai-Ahmedabad), NH-848 (Mumbai-Agra), NH-61 (Kalyan-Nirmal), the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway, and the Mumbai-Goa Highway.

Passing through Vasai, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Ambernath, Panvel, Uran, Pen, and Alibaug, the project aims to provide a critical alternative to relieve traffic pressure on Mumbai and promote organised urban expansion.

To support implementation, the Cabinet approved Rs 222.5 billion for land acquisition and Rs 147.63 billion towards interest costs, bringing the total estimated budget for Phase 1 to Rs 370.13 billion.

Land for Tribal Industrial Cluster

In a parallel decision, the Cabinet approved the transfer of 29 hectares and 52 acres in Jambutke village, Nashik district, to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) for creating a Tribal Industrial Cluster. The initiative seeks to provide land to aspiring tribal entrepreneurs and promote industrial growth and employment in tribal regions.