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Vasai–Virar is located about 50 km north of Mumbai in the Maharashtra. It lies in Palghar District, between Vasai Creek and the Vaitarna River, and forms part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Vasai–Virar is an urban agglomeration formed by Vasai (Bassein), Virar, Nallasopara, and Navghar-Manikpur. Due to affordable housing, railway connectivity, and proximity to Mumbai, the city has grown rapidly over the last three decades.
As per the Census 2011, Vasai–Virar had a population of 12.22 lakh. Based on current growth trends, its estimated population in 2026 is around 17 lakh.
👉 Estimated Population of Vasai–Virar (2026): ~17 lakh
Vasai–Virar City Population (Census 2011 & 2026 Estimate)
| Particulars | Census 2011 | 2026 Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 12,22,390 | 17 lakh |
| Male Population | 6,48,172 | 9 lakh |
| Female Population | 5,74,218 | 8 lakh |
📊 Vasai–Virar Demography (Census 2011)
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Average Literacy | 88.57% |
| Male Literacy | 91.53% |
| Female Literacy | 85.22% |
| Sex Ratio | 886 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 911 |
| Children (0–6 Years) | 1,47,102 |
Source: Census 2011
✅ Key Takeaways
Vasai–Virar is one of the fastest-growing suburban cities in the Mumbai region, driven mainly by housing development and migration.
The city shows a balanced literacy profile, with high overall education levels compared to many other suburban areas.
The sex ratio of 886 indicates moderate gender imbalance, though it is better than several industrial towns nearby.
Around 12% of the population consists of children below six years, reflecting steady family-based settlement.
Large-scale residential projects and railway connectivity continue to support long-term population growth.
Religion in Vasai Virar
Hinduism is the dominant religion in Vasai–Virar, followed by Islam and Christianity. The city also has notable Buddhist and Jain communities.
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Hindu | 77.16% |
| Muslim | 9.03% |
| Christian | 8.28% |
| Buddhist | 2.65% |
| Jain | 1.90% |
| Sikh | 0.21% |
| Others | 0.17% |
| Not Stated | 0.60% |
Source: Census 2011
Vasai- Virar Historical Population
Let’s look at population & percentage change from Year 1901 to 2021.
| Year | Population | Actual Change | Percentage Change |
| 1901 | 10,702 | – | – |
| 1911 | 9,598 | -1,104 | -10.32% |
| 1921 | 10,366 | 768 | 8.00% |
| 1931 | 12,689 | 2,323 | 22.41% |
| 1941 | 13,969 | 1,280 | 10.09% |
| 1951 | 26,873 | 12,904 | 92.38% |
| 1961 | 37,651 | 10,778 | 40.11% |
| 1971 | 57,622 | 19,971 | 53.04% |
| 1981 | 80,038 | 22,416 | 38.90% |
| 1991 | 215,762 | 135,724 | 169.57% |
| 2001 | 518,601 | 302,839 | 140.36% |
| 2011 | 1,222,390 | 703,789 | 135.71% |
| 2021 (estimate) | 1,600,000 | 377,610 | 30.89% |
This data shows that major population acceleration began after 1990, mainly due to suburban expansion from Mumbai.
Sources: Census 2011
Palghar District Population
Vasai–Virar is the largest urban center in Palghar District and acts as its main residential and economic hub. The city provides housing and employment to a large portion of the district’s working population.
Palghar District was formed in 2014 after being separated from Thane District. At the 2011 Census, the district had a population of about 29.9 lakh, which is estimated to have reached nearly 36 lakh by 2026.
Because of Vasai–Virar’s expanding suburbs, industrial areas, and transport links, it remains the primary contributor to Palghar District’s urban growth.
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