The much-awaited 1.4-km Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC)-Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) extension, aimed at easing congestion at Kalanagar junction in Bandra East, has been completed but remains unopened. The elevated corridor, which was ready nearly two months ago, is awaiting its formal inauguration before being opened for public use.
According to sources within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the flyover has completed required inspections and is ready for traffic movement. However, the official launch has been delayed as a date for the inauguration is yet to be finalised due to scheduling constraints of ministers.
The delay has caused frustration among daily commuters travelling through BKC, one of Mumbai’s busiest commercial hubs, where traffic congestion during peak hours remains a regular challenge.
Kalanagar junction is a major traffic intersection connecting the Western Express Highway, BKC, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Dharavi, Sion and surrounding roads. Heavy vehicle movement during peak hours often leads to long queues and delays in the area.
The SCLR extension is expected to complete the missing section of the corridor and provide a signal-free route between the Eastern and Western Express highways through BKC. Traffic planners believe the new link will reduce pressure on Kalanagar junction and improve connectivity between the eastern suburbs, western suburbs and Mumbai’s commercial district.
“Everyday we struggle to regulate traffic at Kalanagar, and the situation becomes worse when there is VIP movement. But the ministers seem to be least concerned,” said a traffic police officer posted at the junction.
The bridge continues to remain closed behind barricades despite being completed. Advocate Trivankumar Karnani criticised the delay, saying, “Bureaucrats responsible for delaying the opening of the newly built bridge must be penalised for intentional dereliction of duty. Sitting ministers must realise that in the age of Digital India, citizens are closely watching their habit of keeping vital infrastructure closed merely for inaugural optics,” he said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai also raised concerns, stating that commuters were still spending 40 to 45 minutes in traffic despite the flyover being ready. “It appears they are waiting for a VIP to inaugurate the project before allowing public access,” he said.
Urich Kamath, a member of the MNCDF, said completed infrastructure should be opened for citizens without unnecessary delays.
An MMRDA spokesperson said the project would be inaugurated soon. “Finishing work is currently underway, and the flyover will be opened to the public soon.”
For commuters like Kurla resident Esa Shaikh, the opening of the link road could significantly improve daily travel. “This link road will be very helpful. People travelling from BKC currently have to go via Kalina to access the SCLR, so this new connection will save time and reduce traffic congestion. I frequently travel to BKC for work, and at present I spend around 15 to 20 minutes stuck in traffic. Once this opens, I expect my travel time to reduce by about five minutes.”
With the infrastructure ready, commuters are now waiting for the barricades to be removed and the road to become operational.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
