The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has significantly reduced the cost of the Uttan-Virar Coastal Road (UVCR) project by Rs 340 billion, bringing the total projected expense down to Rs 52.7 billion from the earlier estimate of Rs 87.4 billion. The revised proposal was presented to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a review meeting in Mumbai.
This 55.12 km coastal corridor includes a 24.35 km main road and 30.77 km of connecting roads, designed to enhance connectivity between Mumbai's northern suburbs and its western coastline. The redesign includes leaner configurations and structural modifications to curb expenses.
The new plan features a narrower 3+3 lane carriageway for the main coastal stretch and 2+2 lanes for the connectors, replacing the initial 4+4 and 3+3+1 lane arrangements. These changes have helped reduce civil and structural costs and have also limited land acquisition requirements due to a reduced right of way.
Further savings were achieved by switching from two-pier to single-pier structures, cutting down on construction materials and labour. Rationalised consultancy charges, reduced overheads, and optimised use of existing infrastructure have contributed to the lower budget.
The project includes three major connectors: the 9.32 km Uttan Connector linking to the Dahisar-Bhayandar Link Road, the 2.5 km elevated Vasai Connector, and the 18.95 km Virar Connector connecting to the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway. The main carriageway will be 25.1 metres wide, while connectors will span 18.55 metres.
MMRDA officials stated the alignment is expected to streamline goods and passenger traffic and strengthen links with national corridors, including the upcoming Vadhavan Port. Funding will comprise Rs 38 billion (72.17 per cent) in loans from JICA or similar multilateral agencies, repayable through toll revenue. The remaining Rs 14.7 billion (27.83 per cent) will be funded through equity by the Maharashtra government and MMRDA.
Chief Minister Fadnavis has directed MMRDA to finalise and submit the updated Detailed Project Report (DPR) and Preliminary Project Report (PPR) and to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to expedite project execution and approvals.
