02 May,2026 04:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The newly completed BKC-Vakola arm, though shorter in length, plays a crucial role in linking these sections and improving traffic flow. Pic/MMRDA
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is nearing completion of Mumbai's 11 km signal-free Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR).
According to an official statement, the MMRDA reached a major milestone in completing the SCLR corridor with the successful installation of the final structural span between Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Vakola.
"The entire 10.88 km east-west corridor is now close to becoming fully operational," the statement said.
It said that this final stretch completes the last missing connection in the network, bringing together multiple elevated roads and connectors into one continuous route.
The work was carried out over the Vakola Nullah bridge, one of the most challenging locations due to limited space and ongoing traffic.
Engineers installed twin 54-metre girders across two levels using heavy-duty cranes. Each span weighed around 358 tonnes and required careful planning and phased execution. Despite the constraints, the work was completed with strict safety measures and minimal disruption, it said.
The SCLR project, developed in phases over the years, is now being transformed into a seamless, signal-free corridor of nearly 11 km, officials said.
Once complete, it will connect major routes and areas including the Eastern Express Highway (EEH), Western Express Highway (WEH), Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and key neighbourhoods such as Santacruz, Vakola, Kalina, Kurla and Chembur.
The newly completed BKC-Vakola arm, though shorter in length, plays a crucial role in linking these sections and improving traffic flow.
BKC-Vakola Arm Specifications:
- Total length: 1.4 km
- 500 metres of 4-lane elevated carriageway
- 900 metres of 2-lane connecting arms
The corridor is expected to significantly ease congestion across several busy parts of Mumbai. It will allow smoother movement between the eastern and western suburbs while reducing travel time, the officials said.
By distributing traffic across multiple elevated routes, the project aims to reduce pressure on surface roads and eliminate key bottlenecks.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the completion of the final arm marks a major step towards faster and more reliable travel across the city.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the corridor as a "lifeline" for daily commuters, noting that it connects important residential and commercial areas.
Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA said, "This milestone is not just about completing a span, but about completing an entire mobility network. The BKC-Vakola arm plays a crucial role in integrating various elevated corridors and unlocking their full potential. With this, the SCLR corridor will function as a continuous, high-efficiency east-west connector, significantly improving travel across Mumbai."
