New 1.4km Elevated Link Connects Bandra-Kurla Complex to Western Express Highway
A new 1.4-kilometre elevated corridor connecting the Bandra-Kurla Complex directly to the Western Express Highway has opened to motorists, providing an alternative route designed to alleviate traffic congestion in the area.
The Bharat Nagar Road to Vakola Junction stretch was constructed under Phase II of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) Extension. This elevated section marks the final elevated component of the entire 10.3km SCLR network, which links the Eastern Express Highway with the Western Express Highway.
By using the new elevated section, motorists can bypass heavily congested stretches around Kalina, Vakola, and Kalanagar. The route provides direct connectivity between BKC and the Western Express Highway near Mumbai University.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority expects the fully completed SCLR network to reduce travel time on key journeys by approximately 35 minutes, improving vehicular movement between the eastern and western parts of the city.
A total of eight connectivity links have now been completed around BKC's G-Block to address traffic issues, expanding upon the six links that were originally planned for the business district.
Following the opening, the landing of the elevated corridor near Bharat Nagar Road and Vakola Junction led to some congestion on the Western Express Highway. The Chief Minister stated that traffic at the junction is being actively managed.
