Mumbai's Long-Awaited SCLR Extension to Open in July, Promises Major Traffic Relief

Mumbai, June 28: After years of delays and anticipation, the final phase of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) extension is set to open in July, significantly improving east-west connectivity in Mumbai. A key feature of the extension—a 90-degree cable-stayed bridge over the Western Express Highway (WEH)—is nearly complete, and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has begun final preparations for public access.

The bridge, which links Kurla to Santacruz, near Panbai School, will eliminate the need for detours through Vakola and Hans Bhugra Marg, streamlining commutes and reducing travel times for lakhs of daily travelers, especially those from Chembur, Kurla, Chunabhatti, and Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).

Initiated by the MMRDA, the project aims to integrate the Eastern Express Highway (EEH) with the Western Express Highway (WEH) via a direct and efficient route. According to Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner, civil work is complete on the cable-stayed section, and the finishing touches—such as signage, lighting, and dismantling of temporary structures—are currently underway.

The centerpiece of the project is a 215-meter cable-stayed bridge featuring a 70-degree curve and a Y-shaped pylon on an Orthotropic Steel Deck (OSD)—a design said to be the first of its kind in Asia. The bridge rises 25 meters above ground, allowing for uninterrupted vehicular flow below and above.

Originally planned in 2016, the flyover project was marred by several delays due to design changes, land acquisition hurdles, the COVID-19 pandemic, and election-related slowdowns. The cost of the project has increased from an initial estimate of ₹450 crore to ₹650 crore.

Once operational, the SCLR extension is expected to dramatically reduce travel time between Navi Mumbai and BKC, improve airport connectivity, and alleviate traffic congestion at key choke points, including the Vakola junction, which currently suffers due to the gap between SCLR and WEH.

While MMRDA initially targeted a May 2024 opening, monsoon-related factors may push the public opening into early July, or possibly further depending on final safety checks and clearances.

The SCLR extension, nearly 95% complete, marks a major step in Mumbai’s ongoing infrastructure transformation and is poised to become a vital artery in the city's traffic network.