Mumbai’s SCLR Extension Awaits Final Clearance
The eagerly anticipated Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) Extension project, a critical addition to Mumbai’s transport infrastructure, faces yet another delay. Initially expected to open on January 1, the project remains incomplete, leaving motorists frustrated as they navigate worsening traffic congestion in the area.
Social media platforms have become a sounding board for public discontent. Deven Nimkar, a commuter, expressed his frustration on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “One more example of never-ending construction work in Mumbai. This flyover connecting SCLR to WE Highway has been under construction for years, causing hellish traffic on Santacruz Highway.” The delay has been labelled as a failure on the part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the city’s traffic authorities. The SCLR extension project, which commenced in 2016, has been riddled with delays, including land acquisition issues. Defence land posed a significant hurdle until a Rs 16-crore payment by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) cleared the final obstacle. Despite nearing completion, 100 metres of the cable-stayed suspension span are yet to be installed. This phase requires specific traffic permissions for two blocks, further delaying the project.
Once operational, the 4.2-kilometre extension will connect Kapadia Nagar to Panbai International School and key junctions such as Vakola, Ambedkar Chowk, University Junction, and the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). It promises to reduce travel time, improve connectivity, and decongest heavily trafficked routes like the Western Express Highway and Kurla-Vakola corridor. The extension, designed with a curved alignment and cutting-edge suspension technology, is expected to serve as a strategic link between Mumbai’s eastern and western suburbs. By diverting traffic from overcrowded routes, it aims to alleviate gridlocks in key business hubs like BKC, significantly benefiting daily commuters and businesses. While MMRDA has not disclosed an official inauguration date, efforts are being expedited to complete the final phases. The project’s timely opening is crucial to addressing Mumbai’s growing vehicular load and delivering on the promise of a smoother, more efficient commute.
