The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has initiated the process of hiring a consultant to conduct a peer review of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Versova-Virar Sea Link. The feasibility report for the project is currently being carried out by the Pentacle-Cemosa joint venture, which is also finalizing the draft and final DPR through various surveys.
Due to the complexity of the project, the MMRDA has opted for a peer review to ensure adherence to the best industry practices. The review will assess the planned alignment’s appropriateness, evaluate potential solutions for obstacles such as relief and rehabilitation of affected persons, address environmental challenges, explore alternative options, and scrutinize cost estimates.
The Versova-Virar Sea Link is a proposed 42.75-km eight-lane elevated road connecting Versova and Virar. It aims to establish a high-speed and high-capacity north-south corridor as an alternative transport route to the northern suburbs of Mumbai and its Metropolitan Region.
The sea link will originate at the Versova Connector of the under-construction Versova-Bandra Sea Link, spanning 42.75 km along the Western Coast to Virar. Four major connectors are planned to provide connectivity to Charkop, Mira Bhayander, Vasai, and Virar.
With an estimated cost of Rs 63,426 crore, the project has received cabinet approval and will be executed by MMRDA. The decision to develop a sea link was based on recommendations from Tata Consulting Engineers in a pre-feasibility report ordered by the government through the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) in 2019. Although initially under the purview of MSRDC, the project was transferred to MMRDA in October of the previous year.