Mumbai’s long-anticipated Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) extension, a pivotal infrastructure project aimed at alleviating east-west traffic congestion, is slated to open by June 15.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) reports that approximately 98% of the work is complete, with final tasks including the application of the wearing coat, installation of expansion joints, painting, and streetlight fittings currently underway. Unexpected early monsoon showers have caused minor delays, but officials remain confident about meeting the revised deadline. Initiated in 2016, the ₹650-crore SCLR extension project aims to provide a seamless, signal-free corridor connecting the Eastern and Western Express Highways. A standout feature is the 215-metre-long cable-stayed bridge over the Western Express Highway (WEH), notable for its sharp 100-metre curvature—the first of its kind in Asia. This engineering feat, incorporating an orthotropic steel deck (OSD) design, allows for longer spans and accommodates the bridge’s unique curvature, enhancing structural integrity while minimizing construction disruptions.
Currently, motorists traveling from Chembur and the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) towards Vile Parle or further north via the WEH must navigate congested routes, including the Hans Bhugra Marg-WEH signal and the Vakola junction. The new extension will enable vehicles to bypass these bottlenecks, significantly reducing travel time and easing traffic flow in the area. The SCLR extension is poised to enhance connectivity to key locations such as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and the Mumbai University campus in Kalina. By facilitating smoother east-west transit, the project is expected to contribute to reduced vehicular emissions, aligning with Mumbai’s broader goals of promoting sustainable and eco-friendly urban development.
As Mumbai continues to grapple with traffic congestion and environmental concerns, the timely completion of the SCLR extension represents a significant step towards building a more efficient and sustainable urban transport network.
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