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Mumbai's key infrastructure projects, including the widening of Hans Bhugra Road and the extension of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR), are progressing despite several setbacks. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has transferred INR 16 crore to the Defence Ministry to acquire land for the road widening project, aimed at easing traffic congestion in Santacruz. Meanwhile, the SCLR extension, which began in 2016, is gaining momentum, with work on the cable-stayed bridge moving forward. These developments promise to improve Mumbai's east-west connectivity, easing congestion and benefiting commuters.
The long-awaited expansion of key infrastructure in Mumbai is making significant progress, with two critical projects-the widening of Hans Bhugra Road and the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) extension-pushing forward despite several challenges. Advertisement
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has transferred INR 16 crore to the Defence Ministry to acquire land necessary for the widening of Hans Bhugra Road, which links Kalina to the Western Express Highway at Santacruz. This project aims to alleviate traffic congestion near Vakola by expanding the road from 20 metres to 45 metres, increasing the number of lanes from three to five. The expansion, expected to be completed within five months, is a crucial step in improving traffic flow and connectivity in this busy area.
Negotiations between the BMC and the Defence Ministry were initially tense, as the Ministry demanded INR 27 crore for two plots of land near Vakola Nalla. After prolonged discussions, with the BMC offering INR 5 crore based on 2022-23 ready reckoner rates, a final settlement was reached at INR 16.40 crore. This agreement paved the way for construction work to proceed under the direction of an MMRDA contractor. To minimise disruptions, authorities have scheduled work between midnight and 6 am. Despite earlier setbacks, including encroachments and design adjustments, the project is progressing steadily, with the widening of Hans Bhugra Road set to enhance connectivity to the Western Express Highway.
In parallel, the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) extension project, which has faced its own delays, is finally gaining momentum. Originally completed in 2014, the SCLR was designed to ease congestion between Kapadia Nagar on CST Road and Amar Mahal Junction on the Eastern Express Highway. However, increasing traffic in certain areas led planners to propose an elevated extension. The project has been marred by challenges such as traffic management issues, design revisions, and election-related disruptions, pushing the initial 2019 deadline to June 2025.
A critical component of the SCLR extension is the curved cable-stayed bridge over the Vakola flyover, which recently received approval from the Mumbai traffic police. This complex structure, due to its height and curvature, has contributed to the delays. The overall cost of the project has risen from INR 450 crore in 2016 to INR 650 crore today, with potential for further increases. Despite these setbacks, the project is progressing, with four phases completed and sections opening between 2023 and 2024.
Once completed, the SCLR extension will significantly improve east-west connectivity in Mumbai, easing traffic between Chembur, Kurla, and Vile Parle. Both the Hans Bhugra Road widening and the SCLR extension are set to play vital roles in improving Mumbai's transportation infrastructure. Despite earlier hurdles and escalating costs, these projects promise to deliver much-needed relief to commuters, enhancing connectivity and easing congestion in some of the city's most traffic-heavy zones.
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