Mumbai's Signal-Free Corridor Between Eastern And Western Express Highways Nears Completion, SCLR Uses Atal Setu Technology

The Santacruz Chembur Link Road (SCLR) extension, is poised to reshape the city's east-west commute by offering a signal-free corridor between the Eastern and Western Express Highways.

Although initially slated for an April opening, the elevated northbound arm remains under final development, according to a report by The Free Press Journal.

Part of the 'Mumbai in Minutes' initiative, the SCLR extension tackles one of the city’s chronic urban challenges which is bottlenecks at crucial junctions like Hans Bhugra Marg-WEH and Vakola.

The new 1.9 km stretch, the final link in the 5.4 km corridor (3.4 km already operational), will bypass traffic-clogged junctions, promising smoother transit across key suburbs.

A standout feature is its 215 metre long cable-stayed bridge, India’s first with a 100 metre sharp curvature, rising 25 metres over the bustling Western Express Highway.

Engineered with Orthotropic Steel Deck (OSD) technology, previously seen in the Atal Setu bridge, it ensures structural strength and minimal disruption to traffic below.

Once operational, the extension is expected to reduce travel time by up to 45 minutes, enhancing access to strategic zones including the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).

Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Commissioner of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), said, “SCLR embodies our ‘Mumbai in Minutes’ initiative, aiming to provide seamless connectivity between the city’s business districts and residential hubs. By reducing travel time and easing congestion at key junctions, this project will improve economic productivity, enhance fuel efficiency, and contribute to a sustainable urban future.”

The extension responds to the MMRDA’s Comprehensive Transportation Study (CTS), identifying the urgent need for robust east-west corridors.

With the existing SCLR, Andheri-Ghatkopar Link Road, and Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road operating at full capacity, this new link is seen as a critical relief valve.

Yet transport experts urge caution. Vivek Pai noted, “SCLR extension is a classic example of how the existing SCLR which was supposed to serve till 2050 was no more able to handle the traffic load and there was a need to construct an elevated corridor to overcome the bottleneck. However, construction of flyover, elevated roads, double deck bridges will not help to resolve the traffic problems.”

Pai adds that without regulating vehicle ownership, such projects risk becoming temporary fixes.

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