Mumbai’s long-awaited solution to one of its most chronic traffic bottlenecks is almost here.
The extension of the Santacruz Chembur Link Road (SCLR) promises to transform the city’s east-west commute by introducing a signal-free corridor connecting two of Mumbai’s busiest highways—the Eastern and Western Express Highways. Originally slated for completion in April, the extension, which spans 1.9 km and completes a 5.4 km corridor, is nearing its final stages of development. The extension will bypass heavily congested junctions such as Hans Bhugra Marg and Vakola, which have long been known for their traffic jams. With 3.4 km of the stretch already operational, this final link is set to ease the strain on key routes, offering a smoother commute for both residents and business commuters. The SCLR extension is a cornerstone of the ‘Mumbai in Minutes’ initiative, which aims to significantly reduce commute times and ease the city’s infamous traffic woes. Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Commissioner of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), highlighted that once operational, the project will cut travel times by as much as 45 minutes. This is particularly critical for access to key business hubs such as the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), two of Mumbai’s most important commercial and transport zones.
A key feature of the extension is the 215-meter-long cable-stayed bridge that will span the Western Express Highway. Notably, this bridge is India’s first to feature a sharp 100-metre curvature, a technical marvel that rises 25 metres above the highway. The bridge is being constructed using Orthotropic Steel Deck (OSD) technology, a method previously seen in the Atal Setu bridge. This technology not only ensures the structural integrity of the bridge but also minimizes disruption to the traffic below, making it an important addition to Mumbai’s infrastructure. The SCLR extension will go a long way in improving the city’s road network. As part of a broader vision for a more connected and efficient Mumbai, the project directly responds to the findings of the MMRDA’s Comprehensive Transportation Study (CTS), which stressed the need for robust east-west corridors to meet the growing demands of the city’s traffic. With major roads like the Andheri-Ghatkopar Link Road and Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road already at full capacity, the SCLR extension is seen as a vital relief valve that will help disperse traffic across the city more effectively.
While the SCLR extension is expected to provide much-needed relief, experts like Vivek Pai caution that infrastructure projects alone cannot permanently solve Mumbai’s traffic problems. According to Pai, while elevated corridors and flyovers can alleviate congestion in the short term, the city must also address the root cause: the growing number of vehicles on the road. Without measures to regulate vehicle ownership and promote sustainable alternatives, infrastructure projects risk becoming temporary fixes to a much deeper problem. Despite these concerns, the SCLR extension is undeniably a significant step forward in Mumbai’s ongoing battle with traffic congestion. It promises not only to make daily commutes more efficient but also to improve air quality by reducing the time spent idling in traffic. As Mumbai continues to grow, projects like the SCLR extension, which integrate advanced technology with forward-thinking urban planning, will play a crucial role in shaping the city’s future.
By addressing traffic bottlenecks and providing seamless connectivity, this initiative underscores Mumbai’s commitment to building a sustainable, equitable, and connected urban environment for the future.
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