August 16, 2025: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday inaugurated four major projects of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) aimed at improving connectivity, easing traffic, and strengthening public transport in the city. The event was attended by senior state leaders and officials, including Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee.
The projects launched include the final phase of the Santacruz–Chembur Link Road (SCLR) extension, the Mumbai Metro Simulator Training Centre at Mandale Depot, a metro residential complex in Malvani, and the Kalanagar Sub Flyover – Arm D.
The SCLR extension features South Asia’s first sharp-curve cable-stayed bridge with a 100-metre span, linking the Eastern and Western Express Highways without signals. The 1.66 km corridor, with a 215-metre orthotropic steel deck, was built for Rs 200 crore and will reduce travel time between Chembur and Vile Parle by nearly an hour. “The completion of the final phase of the Santacruz–Chembur Link Road, with South Asia’s first sharp-curve cable-stayed bridge, is a proud achievement that will ease travel between the Eastern and Western Express Highways. With five out of six exit routes from BKC already complete,” said Fadnavis.
The Mumbai Metro Simulator Training Centre, built for Rs 70 crore, is India’s largest and can train 144 personnel simultaneously. It is expected to save Rs 255 crore in training costs over a decade while also supporting metro staff from other cities.
The 340-metre Kalanagar Sub Flyover – Arm D, constructed at Rs 20 crore, provides seamless connectivity from Dharavi to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and onwards to South Mumbai.
Dr. Mukherjee said, “The Mumbai Metro Simulator Training Centre, in particular, sets a new benchmark for workforce readiness, while the Santacruz Chembur Link Road and Kalanagar Flyover will significantly ease commuter congestion and reduce travel time.”
In Malvani, two 20-storey towers for metro employees, each with 156 apartments, fire safety systems, and robotic car parking, were also completed. An additional 241 apartments are under construction at a total cost of Rs 90 crore.
Source: The Indian Express
