Vasai-Virar is an agglomeration of four previously governed municipal councils: Vasai (Bassein), Virar, Nallasopara and Navghar-Manikpur, as well as a few towns to the east and west of the urban area.

[3] Within a close proximity to Mumbai, it is located in Palghar District, and lies north of Vasai Creek and south of the Vaitarna River.

Vasai-Virar is bordered by Mira-Bhayandar and Thane on its south and southeast, Bhiwandi-Nizampur on its east and Palghar rural district on its north.

[4] Vasai town was part of the territory of the Hindu Devagiri Yadavas until 1317, and it later became a seaport for the Gujarat Muslim kings.

[5] In 1526 the Portuguese established a fort (now in ruins) and trading station at Vasai, and the town became famous for its shipbuilding industry.

[6] The Portuguese, with their naval power and their crusading valor, were unquestioned masters of the Indian Ocean.

[6] On 23 December 1534, the Sultan of Gujarat, signed a treaty with the Portuguese and ceded Vasai with its dependencies of Salsette, Mombaim (Bombay), Parel, Vadala, Siao (Sion), Vorli (Worli) (Worli fort photo), Mazagao (Mazgao), Thane, Bandra, Mahim, Caranja (Uran).

[7] In 2009, the town was joined administratively with neighboring Virar (north) and several dozen other surrounding communities to form the Vasai-Virar twin city, and it immediately became one of the most-populous urban areas in the state.

[4] The city has long been a large-scale fishing centre and a wholesale exporter of agricultural produce.

Traditional industries include silk and cotton hand-loom weaving and salt manufacture.

Annual rainfall averages at 2,000–2,500 mm (79–98 in) and humidity is 61—86%, making it a humid-prehumid[clarification needed] zone.

The position of mayor is a largely ceremonial post with limited duties but the office-holder heads the party with the largest vote.

Vasai-Virar city has significant growth potential due to close proximity to city-proper Mumbai.

The major railway stations on the Western and Central Railway in Vasai–Virar city are: Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation started its own transport service on 3 October 2012 in association with Bhagirathi Transport Corporation Pvt Ltd, known as VVMT.

[21] 2 (Navghar, Vasai East) Operations The VVMT bus routes are spread town-wide and also to neighboring towns and cities.

The internal places of Vasai-Virar city which are far from the Virar, Nala Sopara, Vasai Road, Naigaon Railway Stations are connected by VVMT.

[22] The Municipal Corporation has built an Olympic-size Swimming Pool in Vasai & Virar.