Maharashtra CM sanctions multiple infra projects of Vasai-Virar, including metro route

On Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) president-MLA Hitendra Thakur's demand and follow-ups, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde last week sanctioned several important infrastructure projects in areas under jurisdiction of Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation.

The Maharashtra government has sanctioned the construction of the metro as well as the road to be carried out simultaneously along the Virar-Alibaug multi-modal corridor. It also includes the extension of the magnum opus project JNPT-Naigaon multi-modal corridor to Virar. 

Thakur, along with Nalasopara MLA Kshitij Thakur, Boisar MLA Rajesh Patil, and Ex Mayors Narayan Mankar and Pravin Shetty had called on Chief Minister to get approvals on multiple projects.

Along with Virar-JNPT Multi-Modal Corridor, Kshitij Thakur also suggested a discussion be held to have a metro route from Vasai to JNPT. Should the project materialise, it will be one of the longest metro routes and will give a major fillip to last-mile connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). 

According to the originally proposed plan, the road was to be constructed first and the metro was to be constructed subsequently. Shinde also sanctioned Kshitij Thakur's suggestion of an elevated metro corridor on the Bhayandar creek which will help provide better metro connectivity. "Earlier, the metro would only be possible up till creek. This project will help connect all the way to Virar," said Kshitij. 

In order to complete a seamless commute, Kshitij Thakur had also suggested providing an intersection along the NH-48 that can connect (this metro corridor to Vasai). The Maharashtra government has sanctioned the suggestion as well. Currently, there is no such intersection, and hence the last-mile connectivity would not be complete. 

"The projects will give a boost to the existing infrastructure and will be future-proof since these have been planned taking into consideration MMR in 2050. Multiple modes of transport will enhance the travel experience and ensure a smooth commute," said Kshitij Thakur. 

Hitendra Thakur said these projects will help the Vasai taluka's infrastructure. "These projects are an integral part of the city and will help people have a seamless commute from one place to the other. 

Along with the corridor and metro route, three water bridges -- Bhayandar to Naigaon, Vaitarna water bridge, and Versova-Virar-Palghar sea bridge were also sanctioned. 

Fund approvals for as many as 12 flyovers, five railway overbridges, and a 36-km long and 40-metre-wide ring road connecting several villages of Vasai taluka were also given by the CM. 

Last year, Thakur demanded that important projects be implemented with the help of agencies such as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), and Maha Rail among others.