Mumbai: Before the monsoon, the last stretch of the Santacruz–Chembur Link Road (SCLR) is set to open, with MMRDA completing the crucial BKC–Vakola arm and bringing the entire 10.88-km east–west corridor close to full operation.The final link was achieved with the launch of twin 54-metre composite girders at two levels over the Vakola nullah, stitching together multiple elevated arms into a continuous, signal-free corridor of nearly 11 km. This section connects Bharat Diamond Bourse in BKC to Vakola and acts as the key link that integrates the entire network.The work was executed in one of the most congested urban stretches, over the existing nullah bridge, where conventional support systems were not feasible. Engineers used full-span launching with 700 MT and 500 MT cranes to place the girders. Each girder is 54 metres long, 8.5 metres wide and weighs about 358 tonnes, supported by three longitudinal girders of 3.13 metres depth. The spans were erected in phases and aligned with precision while maintaining traffic flow and safety.The BKC–Vakola arm, though only about 1.4 km long, includes a 500-metre four-lane elevated carriageway and 900 metres of two-lane connectors. It plays a critical role in ensuring traffic disperses across multiple arms instead of converging at key choke points.Once operational, the SCLR will provide direct, signal-free connectivity between the Eastern Express Highway and Western Express Highway via BKC, improving travel across Santacruz, Vakola, Kalina, Kurla and Chembur. Officials said the corridor will ease congestion, cut travel time and improve reliability of cross-city movement.Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said the project will help deliver faster and more efficient mobility across Mumbai. Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde termed it a lifeline that will ease commuting across key residential and commercial hubs.MMRDA metropolitan commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee said the final arm completes a continuous east–west mobility spine, unlocking the full potential of the corridor.
