MMRDA initiates process for consultant to review Versova-Virar Sea Link Project’s DPR

By: Pune Pulse

November 21, 2023

Pune: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has initiated the process for appointment of consultant to conduct a review of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Versova Virar Sea Link.

The feasibility report for the project has been undertaken by the Pentacle-Cemosa joint venture, and the company is currently carrying out different surveys to finalize the draft and the final DPR of the project.

As per the information provided, MMRDA has decided to appoint a consultant for peer review of both the feasibility study and DPR, along with the preparation of the bid document, due to the intricate nature of the project. In light of the complex nature of the project, MMRDA has opted to enlist the services of a consultant to conduct a peer review of the feasibility study, DPR, and bid document preparation.

As per the information received, the evaluation will aid in establishing the suitability of the proposed alignment, evaluating the possibility of mitigating or circumventing obstacles such as the well-being and reintegration of individuals affected by the project, seamlessly addressing environmental challenges, exploring alternative options, and thoroughly examining cost estimates, among other factors. For those unfamiliar, the Versova-Virar Sea Link is a planned 42.75-km elevated road with eight lanes that will link Versova, a western suburb of Mumbai, to Virar, a satellite town within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s larger urban agglomeration.

The main goal of the project is to establish a north-south corridor that offers fast and efficient transportation options for commuting to the northern suburbs of Mumbai and its Metropolitan Region. This corridor will serve as an alternative route, providing high speed and high capacity for commuters. Based on the feasibility study, the sea link will begin at the Versova Connector of the ongoing Versova-Bandra Sea Link construction project. From there, the main sea link will cover a distance of 42.75 km in the marine area until it reaches Virar, along the Western Coast.

The Sea Link project aims to establish four primary connectors that will ensure seamless connectivity to the areas of Charkop, Mira Bhayander, Vasai and Virar. With an estimated cost of Rs 63,426 crore, the Versova-Virar sea link project has received the necessary approval from the cabinet and will be implemented by MMRDA.

In 2019, the government of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) ordered a pre-feasibility report from Tata Consulting Engineers, which presented various options for developing a sea link. Based on this report, the decision was made to pursue the development of a sea link. The Versova-Virar sea link was initially under the jurisdiction of MSRDC, but it was later transferred to the MMRDA in October of the previous year.