The Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) extension in Mumbai is nearing completion, promising to significantly enhance east-west connectivity across the city. This infrastructure project, managed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), aims to provide a signal-free corridor between the Eastern and Western Express Highways, thereby reducing travel time and alleviating traffic congestion.

A notable feature of the SCLR extension is a 215-meter-long cable-stayed bridge that stands 25 meters above the Western Express Highway. This bridge incorporates Orthotropic Steel Deck (OSD) technology, previously utilized in the construction of the Atal Setu, India's longest sea bridge. The application of OSD technology in the SCLR extension enhances structural integrity and minimizes construction disruptions.

The extension is designed to bypass the congested Vakola junction, providing a direct link from the Eastern Express Highway to the Western Express Highway. This development is expected to streamline traffic flow and improve access to key areas, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the Bandra-Kurla Complex.

Originally slated for completion in 2019, the project faced delays due to design modifications, land acquisition challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with 95% of the work completed, the MMRDA anticipates opening the extension to the public by the end of May 2025.

The SCLR extension is a significant component of Mumbai's broader infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing urban mobility and supporting economic growth through improved transportation networks.