The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority is close to completing the 11 km signal-free Santacruz–Chembur Link Road (SCLR), marking a major milestone in improving east–west connectivity in Mumbai.
In an official statement, the authority confirmed the successful installation of the final structural span between Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Vakola, bringing the corridor significantly closer to full operational status. “The entire 10.88 km east-west corridor is now close to becoming fully operational,” the statement said.
This final segment completes the last missing link in the network by integrating multiple elevated roads and connectors into one continuous stretch. The work was executed over the Vakola Nullah bridge, a particularly complex location due to limited space and active traffic movement.
Engineers installed twin 54-metre girders across a two-level structure using heavy-duty cranes. Each span weighed approximately 358 tonnes, requiring detailed planning and phased execution. Despite operational constraints, the installation was completed with strict safety protocols and minimal disruption to traffic flow.
Once completed, the SCLR will function as a fully integrated signal-free corridor spanning nearly 11 km. Developed in phases, it is designed to connect key arterial routes including the Eastern Express Highway, Western Express Highway, and Bandra Kurla Complex, while linking major neighbourhoods such as Santacruz, Vakola, Kalina, Kurla, and Chembur.
The newly completed BKC–Vakola arm, though only 1.4 km long, plays a critical role in enabling seamless traffic movement across the network. It includes 500 metres of four-lane elevated carriageway and 900 metres of two-lane connecting arms.
Officials said the corridor is expected to significantly reduce congestion across multiple busy zones by diverting traffic onto elevated routes, easing pressure on surface roads, and eliminating long-standing bottlenecks.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the completion of the final segment marks an important step towards faster urban mobility. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the corridor as a “lifeline” for daily commuters.
Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee said, “This milestone is not just about completing a span, but about completing an entire mobility network. The BKC-Vakola arm plays a crucial role in integrating various elevated corridors and unlocking their full potential. With this, the SCLR corridor will function as a continuous, high-efficiency east–west connector, significantly improving travel across Mumbai.”
Source: Mid-day
