Maharashtra Multimodal Corridor Project Update

By Ajjay Bhagyakar | Published by Griha Realty | Source: X

Source: X

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has initiated the CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) clearance process for its ambitious Virar–Alibaug Multimodal Corridor, specifically the Navghar to Chirner stretch. This signal from MSRDC was highlighted in a post on X by @cbdhage.

Key Highlights:

• The Navghar–Chirner section spans roughly 80 km, designed as an 8- to 12-lane access-controlled expressway, according to MSRDC plans. Indian Express+2Indian Express+2

• As part of the environmental approvals, MSRDC has applied for CRZ clearance and is also seeking forest clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change. Environment Clearance+2Mid-day+2

• The corridor is expected to impact around 205 hectares of forest spread across Palghar, Thane, and Raigad districts, potentially affecting 5,135 trees, according to environmental assessments. Mid-day

• This project aligns with a larger vision: creating a multimodal network that integrates road transport, bus rapid transit / metro, and essential utilities (water, sewage, gas) within the same corridor. Environment Clearance+1

• The estimated cost of this project is substantial — roughly ₹15,382 crore for construction plus about ₹18,225 crore for land acquisition — per MSRDC’s Executive Summary. msrdc.in

Why It Matters: ( Maharashtra Multimodal Corridor Project Update )

• Regional Connectivity: This corridor will drastically improve connectivity within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), linking key growth centers and major infrastructure nodes — including the upcoming JNPT port, Navi Mumbai International Airport, and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL). Indian Express+1

• Economic Impact: By easing movement across Palghar, Thane, Raigad, and beyond, the corridor could fuel economic growth, reduce travel time, and improve freight and passenger transport efficiency. Mumbai Live

• Environmental Concerns: The scale of forest land required raises serious environmental questions. Over 200 hectares are being eyed for diversion, and thousands of trees could be impacted — emphasizing the need for a strong environmental management plan. Mid-day+2Mid-day+2

• Sustainable Approach: MSRDC’s plan accounts for not just transportation but also utility integration, which could minimize land use and promote efficient multi-modal infrastructure. Environment Clearance

What’s Next to Watch:

1. CRZ & Forest Clearance Decision — How quickly and under what conditions the central authorities grant clearances.

2. Environmental Mitigation Plan — Whether MSRDC can successfully propose compensatory planting or other interventions to offset forest loss.

3. Construction Timeline & Phasing — When the corridor will be built, and how the development will be split (Navghar–Chirner is “Phase 1” in earlier documents). Environment Clearance

4. Land Acquisition Progress — How MSRDC navigates acquiring over 1,000 ha in a mix of private, government, and forest lands. Environment Clearance

In Short:

Maharashtra Multimodal Corridor Project Update MSRDC’s move to apply for CRZ clearance for the Navghar–Chirner multimodal corridor is a major milestone. Once built, this corridor could transform transport across the Mumbai region, but balancing infrastructure growth with environmental sustainability will be key.