Alibaug–Virar Multi-Modal Corridor: Maharashtra MSRDC Waits for GR to Start BOT Tendering

Mumbai : The much-anticipated Alibaug–Virar Multi-Modal Corridor Project in Maharashtra remains stalled as the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) awaits a formal Government Resolution (GR) to kickstart the tendering process under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model.

An MSRDC official confirmed that although the state government has approved the project’s execution under the BOT framework, the official GR, which is expected to be issued in the coming days, will mark the commencement of the bidding process.

This proposed corridor is planned to function as an outer ring road with a metro component. It will pass through Palghar, Thane, and Raigad districts. Initially, the corridor will stretch for 98 kilometers up to Pen, with potential future expansion to 128 kilometers, reaching Alibaug, based on the evolving requirements.

For this project, 1,300 hectares of land are required, with compensation alone estimated to cost around ₹22,250 crore. The projected construction cost is approximately ₹20,000 crore, and the total project cost is pegged at around ₹61,000 crore. Officials have mentioned that HUDCO funds have been secured, and land surveys have already been completed, with compensation disbursements expected to follow shortly.

Earlier, in May, The Free Press Journal reported that previous tender attempts resulted in bids 36% higher than the estimated project cost. This prompted the shift to the BOT model to ensure better cost efficiency. The government’s decision to adopt the BOT framework is seen as a move to address the high bidding amounts in the previous rounds.

The project was originally envisioned under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and was detailed in a 2016 Detailed Project Report (DPR). However, it faced repeated delays due to land acquisition hurdles. Later, the project was transferred to MSRDC, following a swap in projects where MMRDA took over the Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel project in return.

Authorities view the Alibaug–Virar corridor as a critical infrastructure project that will help ease traffic congestion in Mumbai and promote economic growth in the wider metropolitan region. Once the GR is issued, the BOT tender process will begin, allowing the project to move forward with execution.