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{{refimprove|date=December 2024}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
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<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                            = Virar
| name                            = Virar
| other_name                      =  
| other_name                      =  
| settlement_type                = City<br />[[Mumbai Metropolitan Region|Mumbai Metropolitan City]]
| settlement_type                = City
| image_skyline                  = JivDani,Virar - panoramio (32).jpg
| image_skyline                  = JivDani,Virar - panoramio (32).jpg
| image_alt                      = 250
| image_alt                      = 250
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| coordinates                    = {{coord|19.47|N|72.8|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates                    = {{coord|19.47|N|72.8|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type                = Country
| subdivision_type                = Country
| subdivision_name                = India
| subdivision_name                = [[India]]
| subdivision_type1              = State
| subdivision_type1              = State
| subdivision_type2              = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type2              = [[List of districts of India|District]]
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| governing_body                  = [[Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation]]
| governing_body                  = [[Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation]]
| leader_title1                  = Member of Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra.
| leader_title1                  = Member of Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra.
| leader_name1                    = [[Kshitij Thakur]]
| leader_name1                    = [[Rajan Naik]]
| unit_pref                      = Metric
| unit_pref                      = Metric
| area_footnotes                  =  
| area_footnotes                  =  
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| utc_offset1                    = +5:30
| utc_offset1                    = +5:30
| postal_code_type                = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code_type                = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code                    = Virar (West) - 401303, Virar (East) - 401305
| postal_code                    = Virar (West) – 401303, Virar (East) – 401305
| area_code                      = 91250
| area_code                      = 91250
| area_code_type                  = Telephone code
| area_code_type                  = Telephone code
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| subdivision_name3              = [[Konkan division|Konkan]]
| subdivision_name3              = [[Konkan division|Konkan]]
}}
}}
'''Virar''' is a coastal city in the district of [[Palghar]]. It is clubbed into [[Vasai-Virar]] city, administered by [[Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation]]. It lies north to the city of [[Mumbai]] and is often considered an extended suburb of the same. It is legally a part of the [[Mumbai Metropolitan Region]].
[[Virar railway station]] is one of the prominent<ref>{{Cite web|title=Western Railways - Mumbai Suburban Locals|url=https://wr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&lang=0&id=0,6,629,631}}</ref> railway station on the Western Line of [[Mumbai Suburban Railway]] due to being the northern-most station on the  line with high frequency of local-train transit.
[[Real estate|Real Estate]] has been booming in Virar because of rise in tourism, influx of people from working class employed in [[Mumbai]] and rapid infrastructure development due to inflow of large construction players like Evershine, Rustomjee, [[HDIL]], [[Rishabh Group]] into the region.
==Geography==
Virar lies on the western coast of [[Maharashtra]], to the north of Mumbai and experiences warm, humid climate throughout the year.
The average annual temperature in the city hovers around {{cvt|26.5 to 27.0|°C}}. July is the wettest month while January is the driest.<ref>https://en.climate-data.org/asia/india/maharashtra/vasai-virar-6281/</ref>


The closest airports to Vasai-Virar are
'''Virar''' (Pronunciation: [[Help:IPA/Marathi|[ʋiɾaːɾ]]]) is a coastal city in the [[Palghar district]], [[Maharashtra]], India. The northern third of the city of [[Vasai-Virar]], is administered by the [[Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation]]. It lies to the south of  the [[Palghar district]], and to the north of the city of [[Mumbai]]. It is an important part of the Palghar District because it forms the outermost part on the northern side of the [[Mumbai Metropolitan Region]] and comes under the police jurisdiction of [[Mira-Bhayandar|Mira-Bhayander]], Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate.
* [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport]] (BOM) {{cvt|37.15|km}}
* [[Pune Airport]] (PNQ) {{cvt|148.81|km}}
* Surat Airport (STV) {{cvt|188.29|km}}


==History and culture==
[[Virar railway station]] is one of the prominent<ref>{{Cite web|title=Western Railways – Mumbai Suburban Locals|url=https://wr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&lang=0&id=0,6,629,631}}</ref> railway stations on the Western Line of the [[Mumbai Suburban Railway]] being the station on the line with a high frequency of local-train transit for both ends: Palghar (Dahanu) as well as Churchgate ([[South Mumbai]]).
{{unsourced section|date=October 2013}}
{{Main|Jivdani Mata}}
The name ''Virar'', as some believe, comes from the [[Hindu]] Goddess [[Ekvira]], mother of the immortal sage [[Parashurama|Parshuram]]. Just as Tunga Parvat becomes "Tunga-ar", similarly "Vira" becomes "Vira-ar". Virar is also home to the ruins of a grand temple of Goddess [[Ekvira]] Devi on the banks of [[Vaitarna River]] at the foothills Tunga Parvat which according to folklore was gradually destroyed amidst the raiding and looting by Mohamedeans and the subsequent rule by [[Portugal|Portuguese]].


Local legend describes this site as the final destination of the ''[[Shurparaka]] Yatra''.
As per provisional reports of [[2011 the Census of India|Census of India]], population of Virar in 2011 was 1,222,390; of which males and females were 648,172 and 574,218, respectively.


A massive ''Kund'' dedicated to Goddess Ekvira stands in this city even today under the banner of ''Ekvira Theerth'' or ''Virar Theerth'', west of which stone carvings about 3 feet long and 9 inch broad in size can be found. Female figurines of ''Yoginis'' of Ekvira devi can be found in the same vicinity alongside roughly cut stone statues of cow and calf, an identifier of the [[Govardhan Math]] which symbolises [[Moksha]] and footprints of a cow carved in stone.
== History ==


Historically, Virar has been home to [[Agri (caste)]] Samaj primarily involved in [[fishing]], salt-making and rice farming. Large number of [[Koli people]] are inhabitants of the region as well.
Virar is mentioned as Vihar in the 15th-17th century Marathi-language text ''[[Mahikavatichi Bakhar]]''.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Dipesh Karmarkar |title=Understanding Place Names in 'Mahikavati's Bakhar': A Case of Mumbai-Thane Region |journal=Studies in Indian Place Names |issn=2394-3114 |publisher=Place Names Society of India |location=Mysore |volume=XXXI |year=2012 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308925531 |page=123 }}</ref>
 
Virar and several other nearby regions including the coveted [[Vasai Fort]] was under the direct control of the Portuguese during the 16th century before being recaptured by the [[Maratha Empire]] in a hard-fought [[Battle of Vasai]] led by [[Chimaji Appa]] against the odds in 1739.
 
To celebrate his victory and to fulfil a vow taken in front of Devi Vajreshwari, Chimaji Appa had a temple built for the goddess nearby. The [[Vajreshwari Temple]] still stands there as a relic of Maratha glory.
 
In 2021, 13 patients were killed in [[Virar hospital fire|a hospital fire]].


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
According to the 2011 India census,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/363-vasai-virar.html?|title=Web Data}}</ref> Virar has a population of 1,221,233, of which 649,535 are male and 571,698 are female. Virar has an average [[literacy rate]] of 91.95%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; male literacy rate is 81%.
According to the 2011 India census,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/363-vasai-virar.html?|title=Web Data}}</ref> Virar had a population of 1,221,233. Virar has an average [[literacy rate]] of 91.95%, higher than the national average of 59.5%.


Over a period of time Virar has become a [[wikt:cosmopolitan|cosmopolitan]] suburb with approximately 50% population being Marathi speaking and the rest a mix of other communities, mainly the Gujaratis and the Catholics. 70% of the population is below 30 years. The slow and gradual adoption of the cosmopolitan nature of the city is the result of migration from the Mumbai mainland to this part due to ever increasing cost of the real estate property.
Over a period of time Virar has become a [[wikt:cosmopolitan|cosmopolitan]] suburb with approximately 50% population being [[Marathi language|Marathi]] speaking and the rest a mix of other communities, mainly the [[Gujarati people|Gujaratis]] and the Catholics. 70% of the population is below 30 years. The slow and gradual adoption of the cosmopolitan nature of the city is the result of migration from the Mumbai mainland to this part due to ever increasing cost of the real estate property.


Among minority languages, [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] is spoken by 28.30% of the population and [[Hindi]] by 15.31%.<ref>{{cite web|title=51st REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR LINGUISTIC MINORITIES IN INDIA|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM51stReport.pdf|website=nclm.nic.in|publisher=[[Ministry of Minority Affairs]]|date=15 July 2015|access-date=15 February 2018|page=151|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216025959/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM51stReport.pdf|archive-date=16 February 2018|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Among minority languages, [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] is spoken by 28.30% of the population and [[Hindi]] by 15.31%. The local Communities like [[Samvedi|Samvedi Brahmin]], [[Kupari]], Vadwals, Bhandhari, Panmali, Aagri have their local dialects of Konkani which are widely spoken in these communities.<ref>{{cite web|title=51st Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM51stReport.pdf|website=nclm.nic.in|publisher=[[Ministry of Minority Affairs]]|date=15 July 2015|access-date=15 February 2018|page=151|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216025959/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM51stReport.pdf|archive-date=16 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
==Education==
The city's public school system is managed by the education ministry of the [[Government of Maharashtra]]. Hence the syllabus is under the state pattern devised by the [[Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education]]. There are also other private schools that offer syllabi under [[Central Board of Secondary Education]] (CBSE) and [[Indian Certificate of Secondary Education]] (ICSE) guidelines besides the state pattern. The late Shri Vishnu Waman Thakur Charitable trust (VIVA College) and the Agashi-Virar-Arnala Education Society are the two most prominent bodies which have opened many institutes offering education ranging from kindergarten to PhD degrees in Virar. One can get graduate and post graduate degrees in Arts, Commerce, Commerce, Management studies and Technology through these institutes.
 
Schools such as Royal Academy,St. Xavier's High school, John XXIII, MGM and National English were the most popular for English primary education in the early 90s. More recently, international schools with the CBSE and ICSE syllabi like Muljibhai Mehta, Rustomjee International School, National English High School and Gurukul Excellence International school have attracted considerable attention. Pre-primary schools such as Gurukul Wave Pre-primary school is gaining lot of popularity.
 
==Tourism and places of attraction==
Despite being in close proximity to the ever busy lifestyle of [[Mumbai]], Virar manages to be a well known tourist place for many reasons.
 
===Jivdani Temple===
 
This temple of [[Jivdani Mata|Goddess Jivdani]] is located around 1375 steps above the ground level, atop a hill in the eastern part of the city. It is too much crowded especially during the [[Navratri]] festival. Many people in the region especially the [[Aagri]], Mangelas, the [[Kolis]] and the [[Bhandari caste|Bhandaris]], worship the goddess as their family deity. The Papadkhandi dam situated at the foothills, was one of the major source of fresh water in the location, but is not enough because of the growing population of Virar.
 
===Vajreshwari temple===
 
[[Vajreshwari]] is known for its temple and hot water springs. It is mentioned in ancient "[[Puranas|Puran]]" or holy books as a place blessed by the footsteps of [[Lord Rama]] and [[Parashurama|Lord Parashuram]]. In medieval ages Vajreshwari was known as Vadvali. It was called Vajreshwari after reincarnation of Vajrayogini in the Vajreshwari area. There are 52 steps to climb up to the main temple. It offers a commanding view of surrounding area from the temple. There are hot water springs in the Vajreshwari area as well as in [[Ganeshpuri]] and in Akloli. The hot water springs are a must bath for Vajreshwari devi devotees. The springs have high sulphur content and is believed to cure many [[Skin diseases|skin ailments]].
 
===Baronda Devi Mandir===
 
Baronda devi Temple is located near Papadkhindi Dam, atop hill in the eastern part of the city.
 
===Utttamrao Patil Udhyan===
Uttamrao Patil Udhyan is botanical garden in the papadkhindi area of Virar. Spread over an area of 4 acres near the Shiv mandir of Papadkhindi it is built with the help of Maharashtra Van Vibhag(Maharashtra Forest Department). It has a collection of various trees and types of flowers with information displayed on the boards. Also a nursery is setup in the udhyan for growing rare plants. Major attractions in the garden include the Panchavati baug, the Navgraha baug and the Aromatic Baug within the garden to name a few.
 
===Holy Spirit Church===
[[File:Grey plover (2).jpg|thumb|Grey Plover in Arnala, Virar]]
The Holy Spirit Church is located in Nandhakhal, a village and parish in Virar west. The church is believed to be 450 years old and was built by the Portuguese after their arrival to the Vasai region. But the old structure has undergone several repairs and constructions over the years and Church also has a school named ST.Joseph English school
 
===St. Peters Church===
This church was erected in the early part of the 20th century and was one of the first under the [[Archdiocese of Bombay]]. Fr. Ismail Da Costa, built a hut chapel in 1919 near Arnala beach. Later with help from local people of all faiths he constructed the Church of St. Peter. [[Archbishop]] Joaquim Lima (Archbishop of Bombay) blessed the church on 27 Dec 1931. Other historical churches in neighbourhood are St. James Church (Agashi) and Church of Holy Spirit (Nandakhal).
 
===St. James Church===
[[File:Sunset at arnala.jpg|thumb|Sunset at Arnala beach, Virar]]
The St. James church located at Agashi on the road connecting Virar and Arnala, was first built in 1581. Portuguese were the best known seafarers among the European clans who built homes near the sea wherever they went. 'Agasi', the then small port village was one such place. Owing to its nearness to the sea and availability of wood from the jungles, which the Portuguese needed for boat building and constructions, Agashi soon became a permanent settlement for the Portuguese. The St. James Church that came into being during this early period was built using stones and bricks hence it withheld during the Muslim attacks of 1594. But during the raids of Marathas of 1739 it was mostly destroyed. The Marathas however permitted the priests to carry on religious ceremonies in the region and the church was rebuilt by 1760. In the year 1900 the church was renovated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.east-indians.net/Agashi.htm |title=The East- Indians of Agashi |publisher=http://www.east-indians.net |access-date=9 April 2012}}</ref>
 
===Jain Temple===
 
For [[Jain Community]] (Sthanakwasi Jain, Deravasi and Others) all around Mumbai, this Jain Temple located at Agashi, about 5 kilometres from the Station is very famous{{citation needed|date=October 2019}} amongst Jains who visit this place Daily and specially on Saturdays, as it is one of the very old temples in Mumbai and the adjoining region. This 200-year-old temple has carvings of the Lords of Jain community like [[Lord Mahavira|Shri Mahavir]], Lord Ghantagharan bhagvan and some specially decorated carvings of old times. Agashi temple also has overnight staying options for tourists travelling from far distance, especially for commuters coming to visit from all over Mumbai. Also due to people's demand a new Jain temple at Agashi has been developed. This place is specially crowded during Jain ‘[[samvatsari]]’ which is one of the special day when the Jains meet there for saying ''MICHHAMI DUKKADAM'' which means ''Sorry if ever I'd hurt you... lets begin with a new start''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mumbai77.com/pages/virar-mumbai-thane/agashi-jain-temple-virar/ | title=Agashi Temple – Virar - Jain Temple at Agashi Virar | access-date=28 January 2011}}</ref>
 
===Beach and resorts===
The Arnala beach and Rajodi beach is situated just a few km west of the railway station. some others are Navapur beach and Vatar beach, just a few minutes away from Rajodi beach. most of these beaches are secluded and serene. These are a favourite spot for the teenagers and elderly alike. There are regular State transport buses and autos that carry the tourists to the beaches from the railway station. There are many resorts such as the Visava Resort, Kshitij water park and Resort, Arnala Beach Resort, Anand Resort, Mamta Resort, Patil Resort, Yesh Resort, the Green Paradise resort, Swagat resort, etc. that have come up recently owing to the increase in a number of people coming from the main city land.
The major occupation of farmers near Arnala beach is [[floriculture]] and they cultivate a wide variety of flowers. They also cultivate rice and various vegetables.
[[File:Arnala Panoramic 4.jpg|thumb|Panoramic shot from above the northern main gate, Arnala]]
 
=== Amusement parks -Yazoo park by Rustomjee ===
Yazoo Park,Developed by Rustomjee, spread over 12-acres was started in 2011. Yazoo park is the center point of attraction with so many international level rides & games.people of the Virar and near by area from Borivali to Dahanu visit Yazoo park with family and kids.  It is located at Global City, near Narangi Phata level crossing about 10 minutes from Virar Railway Station. It boasts of entertainment such as Toy Trains, Giant Wheel, Merry-Go-Round, Free Fall, Game Zone, Bump'em Cars, Floating Restaurant, etc.[http://www.globalcity.in www.globalcity.i]
 
The Great Escape water park located near the [[Western Express Highway]], off the Vajreshwari-Parol-Bhivandi road is a picnic place with water park rides, picturesque environment and a variety of food facilities and cuisine like [[Gujarati food|Gujarati]], [[Chinese food|Chinese]] and [[Continental Food]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mumbai77.com/pages/virar-mumbai-thane/great-escape-virar-water-park/ | title=Great Escape at Virar – Mumbai - Great Water Park | access-date=28 January 2011}}</ref>
 
===Sports===
Virar is the closest and the best place near Mumbai for [[paragliding]] training. Being a coastal area the winds at Virar are laminar, predictable and ideal for aviation sports. Early morning and evening winds are suitable for beginners and mid and early afternoon conditions are perfect for advance flyers. Black Beauty hill, Twin Rock hill, Jivdani hill, Tungareshwar, Kaner hills are a few locations for hill flying. Virar is the only place near Mumbai with so many choices all in a radius of about 6&nbsp;km. Virar has hundreds of acres of open land where winch based training is conducted by Space Apple. Website is www.paraglidingmumbai.com.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.spaceapple.com/paragliding_virar.html | title=Why Virar for paragliding | access-date=28 January 2011 | work=Space Apple}}</ref>
 
Vasai-Virar Kala Krida Mahotsav is an annual sports event for the sportsperson of Virar and the neighbouring localities. The event has been a great success for the last 17 years, with participation coming from regional schools, colleges and [[Gram panchayat|grampanchayats]]. Other games like [[Karate]] and [[Kho-Kho]] have created state level players. Every year this event is conducted at the year end precisely from 26 Dec to the new years night at the Chimajiappa Playground and the New English School, Vasai.
 
===Heritage sites===
* [[Arnala Fort]] is located on a small island off the Arnala port. Since the fort is built on an island and surrounded on all sides by water it is also known as "Jaldurg" or "Janjire Arnala". The [[Portugal|Portuguese]] called the island "Ilha das vacas" which means 'Island of the cows' in [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]]. Before the Portuguese control of the island, the island was controlled by the Muslim rulers of Gujarat. The island is near the mouth of Vaitarna river and the Portuguese used it to observe and control shipping and navigation along the western coast. The Portuguese captain of [[Vasai|Bassein]] donated the island to a Portuguese nobleman. The nobleman tore down the old fort and began construction of 700-foot by 700-foot fort. The fort was never completed by the nobleman but remained under Portuguese control.
* Vasai fort (Bassein fort) is also located nearby. The Portuguese established a fort in Bassein, present day Vasai, on the mainland just north of the Bombay [[archipelago]]. The fort was fronted by a harbour. With this as the main base, they built other smaller forts, and strong houses in many of the islands. In the 18th century the fort was attacked by the [[Marathas]] under [[Baji Rao Peshwa]], and fell in 1739 after a three-year-long campaign. The remains of the fort can be reached by bus or taxi from the Vasai railway station. The ramparts overlook Vasai creek and are almost complete, though overgrown. Several watch-towers still stand, with safe staircases leading up.
 
===Bollywood connection===
[[Govinda (actor)|Govinda]], a leading Bollywood superstar of current period, voted as the tenth greatest star of stage or screen of the last thousand years by BBC News Online users<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/381017.stm | work=BBC News | title=Bollywood star tops the poll | date=1 July 1999 | access-date=4 May 2010}}</ref> and also an ex Member of Parliament used to stay in Virar in his school days. He passed out from Annasaheb Vartak Smarak Vidyamandir in Virar East.
 
===Military Tank in Virar===
The military tank in Virar is placed at VIVA College. The tank is from the [[Kargil War]]. The tank was retired in October 2013. It has been in Virar since 15 August 2018. {{citation needed|date=November 2019}}
 
===VVMC Mayors Marathon===
Every year the Vasai Virar Mayors Marathon is held which sees stars from across the country criss crossing the entire Vasai-virar suburb on the race day and is also a source of great attraction as well as enthusiasm for the people of virar. The 2014 version of the marathon was held on December 21 and saw Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar as well as Anju Bobby George as the Chief Guest.
 
=== St. Mother Teresa Church ===
Virar is home to the only church dedicated to St.Mother Teresa of Calcutta in the state of Maharashtra. The church was blessed by Bishop Thomas Dabre (The first bishop of Vasai) in 2007. The church is located near the Platform No.1 of the Western Railway station of Virar. They have a vibrant Charismatic Prayer Service every Thursday evening; with special healing and deliverance prayers on the 4th Thursdays of every month.
 
===Srinivas Narasimha Prabhu Villa===
Virar is birthplace and home to one of the MVP of Virar Shri Shri. [[en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayn Rand|Srinivas Narasimha Prabhu]]


==Infrastructure==
==Infrastructure==
The growth of Virar is yet to be seen in full as the quadrupling of the railway line between [[Borivali]] and Virar has just taken place in 2007. The railways are still pleading the lack of sufficient number of rakes to take full advantage of the quadrupling.
The growth of Virar is yet to be seen in full as the quadrupling of the railway line between [[Borivali]] and Virar has just taken place in 2007. The railways are still pleading the lack of sufficient number of rakes to take full advantage of the quadrupling.


The city has seen a lot of development in the past 5 years. The Municipal Council was upgraded to [[Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation]] in May 2009. There are various housing and road transport development projects initiated by the corporation with the help of [[MMRDA]], Mumbai. The [[skywalk]] in the west section of the city was one of the first amongst the many skywalks that were built near all the railway stations of Mumbai.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/after-bandra-mmrda-plans-skywalk-at-virar/251218/ | title=After Bandra, MMRDA plans skywalk at Virar | access-date=28 January 2011 | author=Swapnil Rawal | date=17 December 2007 | publisher=Express India | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011161224/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/after-bandra-mmrda-plans-skywalk-at-virar/251218/ | archive-date=11 October 2012 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref> It was the seventh skywalk in the city and it cost INR 91.5&nbsp;million. Virar-West skywalk is 589 meters long with four meters wide walkway. The skywalk was found to be the busiest amongst the others built by the MMRDA by recording a footfall of 58,038 commuters during peak hours. It was followed by [[Santa Cruz, Mumbai|Santa Cruz]] skywalk with a figure of 37,546.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.indiainfo.com/c-82-944680-860038-1049929.html | title=MMRDA claims record footfalls on six skywalks | access-date=28 January 2011 | author=Ninad Siddhaye | date=10 April 2010 | publisher=India Info}}</ref>
The global city developed by rustomjee and evershine builders is a big township spread over an area of more than 200 acers leading to significant development and new settlements.


The Virar East skywalk is uniquely built as it goes right over the Totale lake, situated in the backdrop of the huge VVMC corporation building. A viewing tourist gallery is built in the middle of the 285 m long skywalk.
The city has seen a lot of development in the past 5 years. The Municipal Council was upgraded to [[Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation]] in May 2009. There are various housing and road transport development projects initiated by the corporation with the help of [[MMRDA]], Mumbai. The [[skywalk]] in the west section of the city was one of the first amongst the many skywalks that were built near all the railway stations of Mumbai.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/after-bandra-mmrda-plans-skywalk-at-virar/251218/ | title=After Bandra, MMRDA plans skywalk at Virar | access-date=28 January 2011 | author=Swapnil Rawal | date=17 December 2007 | publisher=Express India | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011161224/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/after-bandra-mmrda-plans-skywalk-at-virar/251218/ | archive-date=11 October 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref> It was the seventh skywalk in the city and it cost INR 91.5&nbsp;million. Virar-West skywalk is 589 meters long with four meters wide walkway. The skywalk was found to be the busiest amongst the others built by the MMRDA by recording a footfall of 58,038 commuters during peak hours. It was followed by [[Santa Cruz, Mumbai|Santa Cruz]] skywalk with a figure of 37,546.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.indiainfo.com/c-82-944680-860038-1049929.html | title=MMRDA claims record footfalls on six skywalks | access-date=28 January 2011 | author=Ninad Siddhaye | date=10 April 2010 | publisher=India Info}}</ref>


Virar-Alibaug Corridor Project is a project undertaken by the MMRDA. The Rs 10,000-crore project is expected to provide seamless connectivity by the metro as well as by road from [[Alibaug]] to Virar. The corridor will bypass the western and eastern suburbs and also the routes which will witness growth in the future. The proposed alignment will connect four crucial national highways, [[National Highway 8 (India)|NH8]] (Mumbai-Ahmedabad), [[National Highway 3 (India)|NH3]] (Mumbai-Agra-Delhi), [[National Highway 4 (India, old numbering)|NH4]] (Mumbai-Chennai) and [[National Highway 17 (India)|NH17]] (Goa-Mangalore-Kerala). The MMRDA has claimed that the 140-km corridor will reduce the long commute to barely an hour. Phase-I of the corridor will be of 90&nbsp;km from Virar to [[Panvel]]. Phase-II will be of 50&nbsp;km from Panvel to Alibaug.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_virar-alibaug-corridor-to-be-aligned-by-december_1448273 | title=Virar-Alibaug corridor to be aligned by December | access-date=28 January 2011 | author=Ninad Siddhaye | date=6 October 2010 | publisher=DNA}}</ref>
Virar-Alibaug Corridor Project is a project undertaken by the MMRDA. The Rs 10,000-crore project is expected to provide seamless connectivity by the metro as well as by road from [[Alibaug]] to Virar. The corridor will bypass the western and eastern suburbs and also the routes which will witness growth in the future. The proposed alignment will connect four crucial national highways, [[National Highway 8 (India)|NH8]] (Mumbai-Ahmedabad), [[National Highway 3 (India)|NH3]] (Mumbai-Agra-Delhi), [[National Highway 4 (India, old numbering)|NH4]] (Mumbai-Chennai) and [[National Highway 17 (India)|NH17]] (Goa-Mangalore-Kerala). The MMRDA has claimed that the 140-km corridor will reduce the long commute to barely an hour. Phase-I of the corridor will be of 90&nbsp;km from Virar to [[Panvel]]. Phase-II will be of 50&nbsp;km from Panvel to Alibaug.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_virar-alibaug-corridor-to-be-aligned-by-december_1448273 | title=Virar-Alibaug corridor to be aligned by December | access-date=28 January 2011 | author=Ninad Siddhaye | date=6 October 2010 | publisher=DNA}}</ref>


==Governance==
==Governance==
Virar falls under the jurisdiction of the newly created [[Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation]] (VVMC). It primarily comes in the Nalla Sopara constituency for the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections and in the Palghar constituency for the Lok Sabha elections. For all the three seats, the ruling party, [[Bahujan Vikas Aaghadi]] (BVA) has showed its dominance over the past few decades. The BVA has won 55 seats out of the 89 in the VVMC; thus Virar elected its first Mayor in the form of Shri. Rajeev Patil who was also the ex-President of the preceding Virar Municipal Council. For the Legislative Assembly seat, [[Kshitij Thakur]], a BVA candidate and the son of ex-MLA of the region, [[Hitendra Thakur]], won the seat in 2009, defeating Shirish Chavan of the [[Shiv Sena]] by more than 40,000 votes at just 26 years of age.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_it-s-thakur-junior-in-nalasopara-now_1301947 | title=It's Thakur junior in Nalasopara now | access-date=29 January 2011 | author=Sudhaanshu Atalye | date=23 October 2009 | publisher=DNA}}</ref> Earlier in the 15th Lok Sabha elections, people voted for [[Baliram Sukur Jadhav]], also a BVA candidate, from the Palghar constituency, who went on to become the Member of Parliament representing the region, defeating a [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] rival, advocate Chintaman Vanga, by 12,358 votes.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-05-17/mumbai/28187759_1_bahujan-vikas-aghadi-nalasopara-hitendra-thakur | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718180059/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-05-17/mumbai/28187759_1_bahujan-vikas-aghadi-nalasopara-hitendra-thakur | url-status=dead | archive-date=18 July 2012 | title=Virar muscle wins tribal seat | access-date=29 January 2011 | author=Sandhya Nair | work=[[The Times of India]] | date=17 May 2009 }}</ref>
Virar falls under the jurisdiction of the newly created [[Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation]] (VVMC). It primarily comes in the Nalla Sopara constituency for the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections and in the Palghar constituency for the Lok Sabha elections. For all the three seats, the ruling party, the [[Bahujan Vikas Aaghadi]] (BVA), has shown its dominance over the past few decades. The BVA has won 55 seats out of the 89 in the VVMC; thus, Virar elected its first Mayor in the form of Shri. Rajeev Patil, who was also the ex-President of the preceding Virar Municipal Council. For the Legislative Assembly seat, [[Kshitij Thakur]], a BVA candidate and the son of the ex-MLA of the region, [[Hitendra Thakur]], won the seat in 2009, defeating Shirish Chavan of the [[Shiv Sena (1966–2022)|Shiv Sena]] by more than 40,000 votes at just 26 years of age.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_it-s-thakur-junior-in-nalasopara-now_1301947 | title=It's Thakur junior in Nalasopara now | access-date=29 January 2011 | author=Sudhaanshu Atalye | date=23 October 2009 | publisher=DNA}}</ref> Earlier, in the 15th Lok Sabha elections, people voted for [[Baliram Sukur Jadhav]], also a BVA candidate, from the Palghar constituency, who went on to become the member of parliament representing the region, defeating a [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] rival, advocate Chintaman Vanga, by 12,358 votes.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Virar-muscle-wins-tribal-seat/articleshow/4540828.cms | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718180059/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-05-17/mumbai/28187759_1_bahujan-vikas-aghadi-nalasopara-hitendra-thakur | url-status=live | archive-date=18 July 2012 | title=Virar muscle wins tribal seat | access-date=29 January 2011 | author=Sandhya Nair | work=[[The Times of India]] | date=17 May 2009 }}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
Line 186: Line 93:


== External links ==
== External links ==
 
{{Portal|India}}
* http://www.virar.com
* https://vvcmc.in/en/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209154849/https://vvcmc.in/en/ |date=9 December 2022 }}
* [http://trekking95.blogspot.in/2015/01/virar.html Trekking Tourism - Virar - विरार - ویرار]


{{Mumbai metropolitan area}}
{{Mumbai metropolitan area}}


[[Category:Neighbourhoods in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Palghar district]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Palghar district]]
[[Category:Palghar district]]
[[Category:Palghar district]]
[[Category:Vasai-Virar]]
[[Category:Vasai-Virar]]
[[sv:Virar]]

Latest revision as of 02:30, 22 March 2026

Virar
City
250
Panoramic view of the city
Virar is located in Maharashtra
Virar
Virar
Coordinates: 19°28′N 72°48′E / 19.47°N 72.8°E / 19.47; 72.8
CountryIndia
StateMaharashtra
DistrictPalghar
DivisionKonkan
Government
 • TypeMunicipal Corporation
 • BodyVasai-Virar Municipal Corporation
 • Member of Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra.Rajan Naik
Elevation
10 m (30 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total1,221,234
Languages
 • OfficialMarathi
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
Virar (West) – 401303, Virar (East) – 401305
Telephone code91250
Vehicle registrationMH- 48
Websitewww.vasaivirar.com

Virar (Pronunciation: [ʋiɾaːɾ]) is a coastal city in the Palghar district, Maharashtra, India. The northern third of the city of Vasai-Virar, is administered by the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation. It lies to the south of the Palghar district, and to the north of the city of Mumbai. It is an important part of the Palghar District because it forms the outermost part on the northern side of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and comes under the police jurisdiction of Mira-Bhayander, Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate.

Virar railway station is one of the prominent[1] railway stations on the Western Line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway being the station on the line with a high frequency of local-train transit for both ends: Palghar (Dahanu) as well as Churchgate (South Mumbai).

As per provisional reports of Census of India, population of Virar in 2011 was 1,222,390; of which males and females were 648,172 and 574,218, respectively.

History[edit | edit source]

Virar is mentioned as Vihar in the 15th-17th century Marathi-language text Mahikavatichi Bakhar.[2]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

According to the 2011 India census,[3] Virar had a population of 1,221,233. Virar has an average literacy rate of 91.95%, higher than the national average of 59.5%.

Over a period of time Virar has become a cosmopolitan suburb with approximately 50% population being Marathi speaking and the rest a mix of other communities, mainly the Gujaratis and the Catholics. 70% of the population is below 30 years. The slow and gradual adoption of the cosmopolitan nature of the city is the result of migration from the Mumbai mainland to this part due to ever increasing cost of the real estate property.

Among minority languages, Gujarati is spoken by 28.30% of the population and Hindi by 15.31%. The local Communities like Samvedi Brahmin, Kupari, Vadwals, Bhandhari, Panmali, Aagri have their local dialects of Konkani which are widely spoken in these communities.[4]

Infrastructure[edit | edit source]

The growth of Virar is yet to be seen in full as the quadrupling of the railway line between Borivali and Virar has just taken place in 2007. The railways are still pleading the lack of sufficient number of rakes to take full advantage of the quadrupling.

The global city developed by rustomjee and evershine builders is a big township spread over an area of more than 200 acers leading to significant development and new settlements.

The city has seen a lot of development in the past 5 years. The Municipal Council was upgraded to Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation in May 2009. There are various housing and road transport development projects initiated by the corporation with the help of MMRDA, Mumbai. The skywalk in the west section of the city was one of the first amongst the many skywalks that were built near all the railway stations of Mumbai.[5] It was the seventh skywalk in the city and it cost INR 91.5 million. Virar-West skywalk is 589 meters long with four meters wide walkway. The skywalk was found to be the busiest amongst the others built by the MMRDA by recording a footfall of 58,038 commuters during peak hours. It was followed by Santa Cruz skywalk with a figure of 37,546.[6]

Virar-Alibaug Corridor Project is a project undertaken by the MMRDA. The Rs 10,000-crore project is expected to provide seamless connectivity by the metro as well as by road from Alibaug to Virar. The corridor will bypass the western and eastern suburbs and also the routes which will witness growth in the future. The proposed alignment will connect four crucial national highways, NH8 (Mumbai-Ahmedabad), NH3 (Mumbai-Agra-Delhi), NH4 (Mumbai-Chennai) and NH17 (Goa-Mangalore-Kerala). The MMRDA has claimed that the 140-km corridor will reduce the long commute to barely an hour. Phase-I of the corridor will be of 90 km from Virar to Panvel. Phase-II will be of 50 km from Panvel to Alibaug.[7]

Governance[edit | edit source]

Virar falls under the jurisdiction of the newly created Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC). It primarily comes in the Nalla Sopara constituency for the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections and in the Palghar constituency for the Lok Sabha elections. For all the three seats, the ruling party, the Bahujan Vikas Aaghadi (BVA), has shown its dominance over the past few decades. The BVA has won 55 seats out of the 89 in the VVMC; thus, Virar elected its first Mayor in the form of Shri. Rajeev Patil, who was also the ex-President of the preceding Virar Municipal Council. For the Legislative Assembly seat, Kshitij Thakur, a BVA candidate and the son of the ex-MLA of the region, Hitendra Thakur, won the seat in 2009, defeating Shirish Chavan of the Shiv Sena by more than 40,000 votes at just 26 years of age.[8] Earlier, in the 15th Lok Sabha elections, people voted for Baliram Sukur Jadhav, also a BVA candidate, from the Palghar constituency, who went on to become the member of parliament representing the region, defeating a Bharatiya Janata Party rival, advocate Chintaman Vanga, by 12,358 votes.[9]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Western Railways – Mumbai Suburban Locals".
  2. ↑ Dipesh Karmarkar (2012). "Understanding Place Names in 'Mahikavati's Bakhar': A Case of Mumbai-Thane Region". Studies in Indian Place Names. XXXI. Mysore: Place Names Society of India: 123. ISSN 2394-3114.
  3. ↑ "Web Data".
  4. ↑ "51st Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India" (PDF). nclm.nic.in. Ministry of Minority Affairs. 15 July 2015. p. 151. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 February 2018. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  5. ↑ Swapnil Rawal (17 December 2007). "After Bandra, MMRDA plans skywalk at Virar". Express India. Archived from the original on 11 October 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2011.
  6. ↑ Ninad Siddhaye (10 April 2010). "MMRDA claims record footfalls on six skywalks". India Info. Retrieved 28 January 2011.
  7. ↑ Ninad Siddhaye (6 October 2010). "Virar-Alibaug corridor to be aligned by December". DNA. Retrieved 28 January 2011.
  8. ↑ Sudhaanshu Atalye (23 October 2009). "It's Thakur junior in Nalasopara now". DNA. Retrieved 29 January 2011.
  9. ↑ Sandhya Nair (17 May 2009). "Virar muscle wins tribal seat". The Times of India. Retrieved 29 January 2011.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)

External links[edit | edit source]

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