Virar-Alibaug 126 Km Corridor Approved: BOT Model to Link JNPT, Navi Mumbai Airport & Sea Link

In a significant boost to infrastructure development, the Maharashtra Cabinet has given the green signal to the long-awaited Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor, set to be executed on the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model. According to a report by FPJ the project will establish crucial connectivity between major economic and transport hubs, including Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Sea Link.

According to senior officials of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the land acquisition process will now be accelerated, followed by the tendering process over the next few months. The groundwork is expected to commence by early 2026.

The 126.3-km corridor will provide seamless integration by connecting Vasai, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Ambernath, Panvel, Uran, Pen, and Alibaug. It will also link with key national highways and expressways, including:

• Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway (NH-48)
• Mumbai-Agra Highway (NH-848)
• Kalyan-Murbad Highway (NH-61)
• Mumbai-Pune Expressway
• Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway (NH-48)
• Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH-66)

Earlier, The FPJ had reported that the project was initially evaluated under the EPC model, but higher-than-expected bid costs led to the decision to proceed under the BOT framework. The new BOT Government Resolution had been pending, which delayed the fresh tendering process.

The state government further confirmed key provisions:

A detailed project proposal, including draft tender documents and concession agreements, will be finalized before tendering begins.

A comfort clause has been approved for HUDCO, ensuring repayment of loans in the event of revenue shortfall from MSRDC.

Priority construction will be given to the stretch overlapping with NHAI's Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway Spur, from Morbe to Karanjade.