Changing City: Mumbai’s SCLR corridor to be opened soon, work on 90-degree cable-stayed bridge over Western Express Highway progressing fast

About the project

The SCLR extension is an important link project taken up by the MMRDA to enhance east-west connectivity in the city.

While some phases of the SCLR are already in use, the last segment comprising a cable-stayed bridge over WEH fills the gap between the Eastern and Western Express Highways. The bridge offers a direct path from Kurla to just before the airport opposite Panbai School in Santacruz.

Current status

The civil work on the cable-stayed arm is completely over. MMRDA is now executing final works such as signage installation, street lighting, painting, finishing touches, and removal of temporary support under the cable span.

Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee and other officials from MMRDA have recently inspected the site progress, confirming that the final arm will soon be opened to the public.

How commuters will benefit

Once operational, the north arm connector will offer seamless connectivity from Kurla, Chembur, Chunabhatti, and BKC, straight onto the WEH, skipping the signal at Hans Bhugra Marg and Vakola junction. Existing traffic has to exit at this signal, which is congested during peak hours. The new flyover is likely to relieve pressure on both junctions, bring down travel times, and facilitate smoother movement for airport traffic as well as traffic heading towards western suburbs.

Engineering aspects, challenges

The final stage of the SCLR extension features a cable-stayed bridge with a 90-degree horizontal curve and a 100-metre turning radius, with the design executed for the first time in Asia. Executing this alignment posed significant engineering and logistical challenges, especially since work had to proceed without halting traffic on the busy WEH.

The initial plans were for launching the entire 29-metre-long and 10.5-metre-wide deck in one go. However, simulation exercises showed that the full 300 metric tonne structure could not be lifted safely. To overcome this, the span was redesigned into two parts weighing 140 and 160 metric tonnes each. These two segments were then installed simultaneously, enabling precise placement while keeping disruption to WEH traffic at a minimum. The revised method ensured progress on the project while maintaining vehicular movement on one of Mumbai’s busiest corridors.

Budget and Timeline

The SCLR Extension has been completed in various phases, with the last arm constituting a key component of the entire corridor. The SCLR Extension project began in 2016, with an initial budget of Rs 450 crore. Due to design changes, cost escalation, and delays, the revised project cost soared to Rs 650 crore. The link was supposed to open by 2019. However, it got pushed further due to operational delays.

Administration speak

Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, said, “This iconic bridge is getting its final finishing touches and will soon be open to serve our citizens, just in time for the monsoon. It’s not only a solution to congestion but also a new landmark for Mumbai, blending innovation with impact. Another step forward in making Mumbai a city of seamless connections.”