Mumbai: Two Bidders In Fray To Prepare DPR For Versova-Virar Sea Link Extension To Palghar

The contract to prepare detailed project report (DPR) for the extension of Versova-Virar sea link (VVSL) till Palghar may be decided between two entities — Aarvee Associates and Nippon Koei — as only these two entities are said to have submitted the bids, reports the MetroRailGuy.

In November 2023, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) had invited bids to appoint a consultant to prepare the report for the extension of VVSL from Virar to Palghar.

For those unversed, the VVSL is a proposed 42.75-km eight-lane elevated road along the western coast of Mumbai that will originate from Versova in the western suburbs and will end at the satellite city of Virar.

Projected to cost Rs 63,426 crore, the VVSL sea link has received cabinet approval and is slated to be implemented by MMRDA. It's worth mentioning that the Japanese government and various agencies have shown interest in partnering with the Maharashtra government for its ambitious Versova-Virar Sea Link project.

Palghar extension

MMRDA has presented two proposed alternatives for the extension project.

The first option entails a 21.8 km sea link alongside a 7.3 km connector leading to Palghar. In the second alignment, a 15.4 km coastal road will be developed from Virar to Kelwa, followed by the widening of a 10.9 km section between Kelwa and Palghar.

In addition to these, the selected consultant will explore various other options and recommend the most feasible and viable alignment.

Additionally, it will conduct economic and financial viability analysis, environmental and social feasibility, social and environmental action plans as appropriate, and documents required for tendering the project.

Apart from decongesting the existing road network, the sea link to Palghar is expected to help boost the tourism sector and give a fillip to economic activity.