In a respite for Mumbai motorists, extension of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) is likely to open on August 14, the Times of India reported. The extension is an addition to the existing SCLR, which
is a key east-west connector.
SCLR opened in 2014
It was originally opened in 2014. It connects the Eastern Express Highway (Chembur) to the Western Express Highway (Santacruz) via a signal-free corridor.
The new segment, built by the MMRDA, includes a signature cable-stayed bridge — South Asia’s first with a 100-meter horizontal curve.
It features a 215-meter orthotropic steel deck elevated 25 meters above the WEH, supported by a Y-shaped pylon preserving space for Metro Line 3 and utilities underneath, according to reports.
The Santacruz Chembur Link Road (SCLR) Extension just hit a major milestone!
The SCLR Extension Phase-I just crossed a major milestone with the successful launch of the 215m Orthotropic Steel Deck (OSD) span over the Vakola Flyover – an engineering feat that ensures seamless… pic.twitter.com/vzSrddn1vp
— MMRDA (@MMRDAOfficial) February 17, 2025
Why SCLR’s horizontal curve matters
In bridge design, a horizontal curve means the bridge bends or turns left or right in plan view (as seen from above), rather than being a straight line.
A 100-meter horizontal curve means the radius of the curve is 100 meters, which is relatively tight for a large bridge—especially one carrying fast-moving vehicles.
Most cable-stayed bridges are designed to be straight, because:
- Curves introduce complex forces and torsion (twisting)
- Load distribution becomes much harder to manage
- Cables and pylons must be angled or offset precisely.
In this case:
- The SCLR bridge was built with a tight curve of 100 meters horizontally
- It’s South Asia’s first such cable-stayed bridge to do so
- This design was necessary to avoid metro pillars and existing roads while maintaining clearance and load-bearing stability.
Good news for commuters traveling from Chembur to Mumbai University! The Santacruz Chembur Link Road just got easier to navigate with the opening of a down ramp at Kalina for vehicular traffic.
As part of the SCLR extension project, a solid approach near Windsor Building on CST… pic.twitter.com/ENu1Yq45RS
— MMRDA (@MMRDAOfficial) November 10, 2023
It is a big deal because…
A curved cable-stayed bridge requires advanced structural engineering:
Precision fabrication (in this case, with an orthotropic steel deck from Vietnam)
Sophisticated computer modeling for load balancing
How will the SCLR extension help?
The extension promises a signal-free connection from Kurla to Panbai School (near the airport), significantly cutting east–west congestion, including at Vakola, BKC, and LBS Marg.
It is expected to save motorists 15-20 minutes during peak hours
Additional improvements include upgraded intersections, better drainage systems, and pedestrian-friendly features.
With Agency Inputs
