Now that the local elections are over, residents across Vasai and Virar are hopeful that the newly elected corporators will finally address long-pending Vasai Virar civic issues that directly affect daily life. From healthcare and education to roads, water supply, and urban planning, the subregion is facing multiple challenges that can no longer be ignored.

Citizens believe that this is the right time for the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) to move beyond promises and focus on visible, time-bound development work.

Below are the 10 most critical Vasai Virar civic issues that require immediate and serious attention.

1. Completion of Achole Municipal Hospital

One of the most pressing Vasai Virar civic issues is the incomplete Achole Municipal Hospital. The land acquisition process has already been completed, yet the hospital is still not fully operational.

Once functional, this hospital can significantly reduce the burden on private hospitals and make quality healthcare affordable for the common man. Residents are demanding that VVCMC fast-track the construction and staffing of this crucial facility.

2. Municipal Control Over Government Health Centres

Healthcare remains at the core of Vasai Virar civic issues. The municipal corporation must immediately take over all state government health centres in the region.

Bringing these centres under VVCMC control would improve coordination, infrastructure, staffing, and affordability. Affordable medical care is not a luxury – it is a necessity for lakhs of residents in this fast-growing subregion.

3. Upgrading Zilla Parishad Schools

Education is another area where Vasai Virar civic issues are clearly visible. Many Zilla Parishad schools lack proper infrastructure, modern teaching tools, and adequate maintenance.

VVCMC should take over these schools, upgrade classrooms, appoint trained teachers, and ensure effective management. Free, quality education for children from economically weaker sections must be treated as a priority, not an afterthought.

4. Urgent Need for Road Overbridges (ROBs)

Traffic congestion has become a daily nightmare, making road infrastructure one of the most discussed Vasai Virar civic issues.

The subregion urgently needs four road overbridges to ease bottlenecks. While two ROBs have already been sanctioned with an allocation of ₹563 crore, work on the remaining two must be initiated and completed without delay.

Incomplete infrastructure projects only increase commuter frustration and economic losses.

5. Concretisation of All Major Roads

Pothole-ridden roads are a recurring symbol of Vasai Virar civic issues, especially during the monsoon season.

All major roads in Vasai-Virar must be concretised to ensure durability and safety. Equal importance should be given to internal roads within housing societies, slum areas, and industrial estates, which are often neglected.

Well-maintained roads improve not just travel time, but also public safety and quality of life.

6. Rehabilitation of Wells, Ponds, and Talaos

Water management is among the most long-term Vasai Virar civic issues. Traditional water bodies such as wells, ponds, talaos, and bavkhals need urgent rehabilitation.

These water sources should be deepened, widened, and properly maintained to enhance rainwater harvesting and recharge groundwater levels. Wherever feasible, holding ponds must be created to collect floodwater during heavy rains, which can later be pumped out or reused.

This will also reduce dependence on expensive municipal water supply.

7. Action Against Unauthorized Constructions

Unauthorized construction remains one of the most controversial Vasai Virar civic issues.

All illegal constructions on government land must be demolished without political interference. At the same time, structures that are not inherently illegal but can be regularised should be processed quickly to provide legal security to residents.

Slum rehabilitation schemes must be implemented transparently, ensuring dignity and proper housing for eligible families.

8. 100% Municipal Water Supply Coverage

Despite rapid urbanisation, municipal water supply does not reach every corner, making it one of the most frustrating Vasai Virar civic issues.

VVCMC must ensure that clean, reliable water is available to all residential, industrial, and commercial areas. Water tankers should not become a permanent solution for a growing city like Vasai-Virar.

9. New Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Virar

Youth employment is closely linked to Vasai Virar civic issues. The region urgently needs a new Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Virar.

Such an institute would provide free or affordable technical education to students from economically weaker sections and equip them with job-oriented skills. This step can significantly reduce unemployment and improve local economic growth.

10. Establishment of a Medical College

Despite its large population, Vasai-Virar still lacks a medical college—one of the most critical Vasai Virar civic issues.

A medical college would not only improve healthcare services but also generate employment, enhance medical research, and reduce dependency on Mumbai for advanced treatment.

Time for Accountability and Action

Residents of Vasai and Virar have made it clear that Vasai Virar civic issues can no longer be pushed aside. Transparent governance, strict timelines, and regular public updates are essential to rebuild trust.

Citizens also expect corporators to coordinate with state and central authorities for faster clearances and funding.

Inputs by Biju Cherian

This article is based on the author’s research and perspectives. The publisher claims no responsibility for inaccuracies. Views expressed are the contributor’s alone. Institutions mentioned are not endorsed unless specified.