Commuters traveling daily from the Eastern Express Highway to the Western Express Highway can expect smoother travel by April-end or early May. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a significant milestone in the construction of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) Extension, and it is set to be opened for vehicles soon.
MMRDA has successfully completed the installation of a 215-meter orthotropic steel deck (OSD) over the Vakola Flyover. With this, the OSD placement for the entire stretch is now complete. The only remaining work involves road surface finishing on certain sections of the flyover, which will be completed in the coming days.
This flyover is Asia’s first cable-stayed bridge with a 100-meter curve, constructed at an approximate height of 25 meters above ground level. Once operational, it is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion between Kalina and Andheri. The use of OSD in the construction was preferred over traditional concrete due to its lighter weight and faster installation process.
The SCLR Extension spans 6.84 km, with the project contract awarded in 2016 and the original completion deadline set for 2019. The first phase of the project was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2023.
However, the SCLR Extension, built at a cost of approximately ₹670 crore, is now ready. Once opened, it will make commuting between the Eastern Express Highway and the Western Express Highway much smoother and faster.
