July 18, 2025: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is on the cusp of launching the final phase of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) Extension — a significant step towards enhancing East-West connectivity in India’s financial capital. With only final works pending, the project promises to ease traffic bottlenecks, modernise urban infrastructure, and reduce emissions across key corridors.
Once operational, the final northbound arm of the SCLR flyover will offer a direct connection to the Western Express Highway (WEH), bypassing the long-congested Hans Bhugra Marg and Vakola Junction. This critical link is expected to streamline travel between the eastern suburbs and Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), reducing journey times by up to 45 minutes. Commuters travelling between the Eastern and Western Express Highways can also expect to save approximately 35 minutes.
A standout feature of this phase is a 215-metre-long cable-stayed bridge with a sharp 100-metre curvature — the first of its kind in Asia. Elevated 25 metres above the WEH and 10.5 metres wide, it reflects Mumbai’s intent to fuse cutting-edge engineering with sustainable development principles. Authorities state that the project aligns with the broader ‘Mumbai in Minutes’ vision, which aims to connect residential and commercial hubs through time-efficient transport networks.
By reducing vehicle idling and easing congestion, the extension is set to lower fuel usage and vehicular emissions, contributing to the city’s climate goals. Experts highlight that mobility improvements through infrastructure — rather than increased vehicle density — yield long-term environmental and economic benefits.
With no major hurdles and steady technical progress, MMRDA is now focused on completing final works. Once opened, the SCLR extension could serve as a blueprint for sustainable mobility interventions in other Indian cities.
Source: Urban Acres
