The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the transfer of government land in Achole, Vasai, to the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) for the construction of a 400-bed super speciality hospital.

Announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the decision addresses a critical healthcare gap in the Vasai-Virar region, which has a population exceeding 28 lakh but lacks a major public hospital. The state had earlier sanctioned Rs 250 crore for the project and disbursed Rs 25 crore to the civic body. However, work was stalled due to delays in land transfer, despite two foundation ceremonies.

The land, previously reserved for judicial and residential purposes, was reallocated to VVCMC after intervention by Nallasopara MLA Rajan Naik and a special meeting by the Konkan Divisional Commissioner. The civic body has been instructed to prevent encroachment on the plot. Currently, VVCMC operates two small hospitals and has limited access to super speciality care, often referring patients to hospitals in Mumbai.