+
Virar-Alibaug Corridor to Use BOT Model in Phase 1
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Virar-Alibaug Corridor to Use BOT Model in Phase 1

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.


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 ClusterIn 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.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Continental Expands Assistive ‘OnBoard’ Tech to 100+ BMTC Buses

Continental India, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Raised Lines Foundation, and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), has expanded its smart assistive mobility solution ‘OnBoard’ across more than 100 BMTC buses in Bengaluru. Initially piloted on 25 buses, the solution is now set to be installed in 500 buses by year-end.The expansion was officially announced at the BMTC Central Office during a press conference attended by Shri Ramalinga Reddy, Hon’ble Transport Minister of Karnataka.‘OnBoard’ is a bus-mounted assistive technology designed t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Himadri PAT Rises 48% in Q1 Amid Global Battery Push

Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd reported its highest-ever quarterly EBITDA of Rs 234 crore and PAT of Rs 183 crore for Q1 FY26, with profitability up 48% YoY. Revenue stood at Rs 1,100 crore.CMD Anurag Choudhary attributed the gains to operational efficiencies, improved yields, and focus on high-value battery materials. Himadri also revived Birla Tyres with a new brand identity and plans a multi-platform marketing campaign.The firm signed a licensing deal with Australia’s Sicona for SiCx® anode tech, enabling localisation and commercialisation in India. Himadri also invested USD 4.43 millio..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Covestro Develops Fire-Safe Foam for EV Battery Safety

Covestro has introduced Baysafe® BEF, a new flame-retardant polyurethane foam designed to enhance battery safety in EVs and energy storage systems. The foam minimises thermal propagation between cells, reducing fire risk.The launch aligns with China’s GB 38031-2025 battery regulation, effective from July 2026, which sets stringent safety standards. "This innovation represents a significant step toward enabling sustainable mobility through enhanced safety," said Akhil Singhania, Global Head of PU Specialties at Covestro.The foam's lightweight structure and fire resistance meet the needs of g..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?