Motorists travelling between the Western Express Highway (WEH) and the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) have reason to cheer, as the long-pending connector arm of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) is nearing completion.
The much-awaited connector will provide a direct link from WEH to Mumbai University and BKC, significantly easing traffic congestion in the area. Once operational, the arm is expected to reduce travel time between WEH and BKC by nearly 30 to 35 minutes in both directions. The project is likely to be completed by March 2026.
Officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) said construction work on both critical arms of the connector is currently in advanced stages.
An MMRDA official said, “Connector Arm 2, which uses the existing Vakola bridge to link the WEH to BKC at Level I, is currently undergoing deck slab work. Meanwhile, Connector Arm 3, which connects BKC to SCLR 1 at Level II, has only one remaining span of 54 metres left to be erected. Along with this, finishing works such as waterproofing, wearing coats, installation of anti-crash barriers, and painting are progressing across the stretch.”
The long-pending connector arm of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road. PICS/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI
According to officials, nearly 85 per cent of the physical work has already been completed. Once the final span of Connector Arm 3 is erected and the remaining finishing work is completed, the connector will be ready for traffic. The entire project is expected to be commissioned by March 31, 2026.
Built at a total cost of Rs 207 crore, the connector is 1.4 km long. Around 500 metres will comprise a four-lane carriageway with a width of 17.2 metres, while the remaining 900 metres will be a two-lane stretch measuring 8.5 metres wide.
Once opened, the connector is expected to significantly ease traffic flow between BKC and the WEH, offering seamless two-way connectivity. Officials believe the new link will be a major relief for daily office-goers commuting through one of Mumbai’s busiest business corridors.
