After nearly nine years since construction began in 2016, the long-awaited extension of the Santacruz Chembur Link Road (SCLR) is expected to be inaugurated this month. With several phases already open to traffic, the construction of the final phase, which is likely to be opened in May, is 95 per cent complete, as per a report by HT. The extension will provide a direct connection to the Western Express Highway (WEH). The SCLR was initially inaugurated in 2014, offering significant relief to traffic between the eastern and western suburbs of Mumbai. It serves as a crucial corridor for commuters traveling to and from Navi Mumbai, the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), and other key areas of the city. The original route of the SCLR in Santacruz lacked a direct link to the WEH, forcing vehicles to pass through the heavily congested Vakola junction. This often resulted in severe delays, particularly for those heading northbound on the highway. The SCLR connects Kapadia Nagar in Kalina, located on CST Road, to Amar Mahal Junction in Chembur, running along the Eastern Express Highway. The project’s completion was delayed by several challenges, one of the most significant being the construction of a cable-stayed bridge. In February, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) announced a key milestone in the project’s progress. “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 East-West connectivity in Mumbai!” it stated in a post on X. The steel deck is part of Asia’s first cable-stayed bridge with a 100-meter sharp curvature. It provides a continuous connection from Kurla to Panbai International School near the airport. A Y-shaped pylon has also been constructed for enhanced structural efficiency. Once inaugurated and open to the public, the SCLR extension is expected to make East-West travel smoother and more convenient. Commuters will benefit from reduced travel time and improved traffic flow across the corridor.