vasAI

Vasai is a city in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, India. It lies in the northern part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, on the northern bank of the Vasai Creek along the Arabian Sea, about 60 kilometers north of Mumbai. The area forms the urban core of the Vasai-Virar region and includes a long coastline as well as inland terrain.

Historically, Vasai was known as Bassein and developed as a major Portuguese settlement from the 16th century. The Fort Bassein (Fortaleza de Sao Sebastiao de Bassein) near the creek was a focal point of colonial conflict; it was built by the Portuguese and later fell to the Marathas and subsequently came under British control. The fort ruins, along with surrounding churches and colonial-era structures, reflect the town’s historical significance.

Administratively, Vasai is part of Palghar district, which was formed in 2014 from Thane district. The urban area is governed by the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC). The population is diverse, with Marathi, Gujarati and other communities, and many residents commute to Mumbai for work.

Economy and transport: The local economy combines fishing, small-scale manufacturing, trading, and services, with ongoing urban development. Vasai Road railway station on the Western line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway provides rail connectivity to Mumbai and surrounding suburbs. The town is connected by regional roads to Navi Mumbai, Mumbai and Palghar.

Notable features include the Bassein Fort as a major historical landmark, along with coastal attractions, markets, and various religious sites that reflect the region’s cultural heritage.