Mumbai: SCLR extension cable-stayed misses May deadline; to open by June 15

The much-awaited Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) extension, which passes over the Western Express Highway (WEH) towards Vile Parle, is set to miss its anticipated May deadline. The project is now expected to open to traffic by June 15. The Rs 650-crore extension is in its final stage, with the cable-stayed bridge over the Kalina-Vakola flyover completed. Streetlight installation and final finishing touches are currently underway.

An official from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) said, “The SCLR cable-stayed bridge is expected to be open to traffic by June 15. As of now, approximately 98 per cent of the physical work has been completed. The bridge deck is ready for application of the wearing coat, which was originally scheduled to be completed by the end of May. However, unexpected early monsoon showers have delayed this process. Other pending works include the installation of expansion joints on the cable-stayed span, painting, and installation of electric poles. Except for the expansion joint work (which will be done after the wearing coat is applied), all allied works are currently in progress and are expected to be completed before the target date.”

Work on the SCLR extension began in 2016 to address chronic traffic congestion near Kapadia Nagar – Kurla CST Road and the Hans Bhugra Marg – WEH junction. At present, motorists travelling via SCLR from Chembur and BKC towards Vile Parle or further north via WEH must exit at the Hans Bhugra Marg – WEH signal, head to the Vakola junction, and then continue on.

Once the northbound SCLR arm over WEH is operational, motorists will be able to bypass both the Hans Bhugra Marg – WEH and Vakola junction signals, easing bottlenecks significantly. mid-day had earlier reported that work on the connector — including the cable-stayed bridge over the WEH and the Kalina–Vakola flyover — was expected to be completed in May before being opened to traffic. This elevated connector features India’s first sharp-curvature span with an orthotropic steel deck supported by cable stays. The landing ramp and safety walls have been completed, and the installation of streetlights on the ramp is currently underway.

The orthotropic steel deck (OSD) of the connector weighs 1780 tonnes, spans 215 metres in length, and measures 17.5 metres in width. The cable-stayed bridge stands 22 metres above ground and 9 metres above the Vakola flyover. Currently, motorists travelling from SCLR towards the Vakola junction via WEH face severe congestion due to the traffic signal and ongoing connector work. Once completed, the bridge will enhance connectivity from Vakola Nullah to Panbai International School on WEH and provide faster access to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The cable-stayed portion of the bridge will measure 215 metres in length, 10.5 metres in width, and will carry a 7.5-metre-wide carriageway.