Mumbai Affordable Housing Land Acquired for Virar-Alibaug Corridor Project
The Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor project, a significant infrastructure initiative in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), is poised to affect affordable housing developments. The proposed 126-kilometre greenfield project, valued at ₹63,618 crore and managed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), passes through land designated by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) for housing in Kalyan. The corridor aims to provide dedicated lanes for road, rail, and bus transport, enhancing north-south connectivity across the region.
The alignment of the corridor cuts across a Shirdhon plot reserved for housing under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG), and Middle Income Group (MIG) categories. MSRDC has identified roughly five hectares for acquisition, encompassing a 500-metre by 100-metre stretch of Mhada land. An official from Mhada noted that the land is currently vacant and can be allocated to the corridor. Construction on parts of the plot has already begun, with homes distributed via lottery under the Konkan Board scheme. Mhada has requested compensation of Rs 50 crore from MSRDC for the affected land. Officials emphasize that the corridor, once operational, will improve regional connectivity, potentially enhancing property values and accessibility for residents.
The project’s survey and alignment have been finalized, with land acquisition ongoing across 1,347 hectares. MSRDC aims to complete the corridor by 2030. The corridor was first conceptualized in 2010 to stimulate economic growth, reduce congestion, and support the development of new business hubs across MMR. The first phase, covering 96.41 km between Navghar in Thane and Balavali in Raigad, was tendered in May 2023 and is being executed in 11 packages at a cost of Rs 26,298.98 crore, above the cumulative reserve price of Rs 19,134.40 crore. The overall project spans Palghar, Thane, and Raigad districts. Urban planning experts highlight the delicate balance between infrastructure expansion and affordable housing preservation.
Large-scale mobility projects are essential for long-term sustainable growth, but careful planning and compensation mechanisms are critical to protect housing for lower-income groups, according to an official. Mhada officials indicated that while some disruption is unavoidable, the corridor could ultimately benefit residents by improving access to employment centers and reducing travel times. The project's successful implementation could set a precedent for future infrastructure developments that balance economic needs with social responsibilities.
