Mumbai’s east-west connectivity is set to receive a major boost as the extension of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) has been completed and is awaiting inauguration. Nearly a decade after the project work began, the final stretch of the corridor is now ready for public use.
The 1.4-km extension consists of two flyover arms that will provide a direct elevated connection between the Western Express Highway (WEH) and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), completing the entire 10.88-km SCLR corridor.
Officials said the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has approached the Chief Minister’s Office seeking a suitable date for the inauguration. While the schedule is yet to be confirmed, the project is likely to be opened either next week or around Independence Day. The inauguration may coincide with the reopening of Mumbai Monorail services and the launch of Chembur station on Metro Line 2B.
The extension will enable commuters travelling from Vakola Junction near Mumbai University to directly access Bharat Nagar in BKC through an elevated route. This will help motorists avoid congestion at Vakola and eliminate the need to take the longer route through Kalanagar.
Of the total 1.4-km stretch, nearly 500 metres consists of a four-lane elevated road, while the remaining 900 metres includes two-lane entry and exit flyover ramps.
The first phase of the SCLR was opened in August 2025 to improve east-west traffic movement. However, congestion continued on parts of the route due to bottlenecks and heavy vehicular movement. Officials believe the newly completed extension will address the missing connectivity link by offering smoother access to BKC from both the Western and Eastern Express Highways.
According to MMRDA, the extension is expected to reduce travel time by nearly 35 minutes and ease pressure on internal roads across Santacruz, Vakola and Bandra East.
The project achieved a significant construction milestone in May 2026 after MMRDA completed the installation of the final twin girders over the Vakola Nallah bridge. By early June, civil work had crossed 98 per cent completion, with only finishing touches remaining before the opening.
Source: The Indian Express
