The underconstruction Santacruz Chembur Link Road (SCLR) project initiated by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has missed its deadline. Now the revised project completion and assessment deadline has been moved to June 2024. As per the MMRDA, the project’s Phase 1 comprising Vakola Junction, Ambedkar Chowk, University Junction, and BKC junction connecting Kurla to Vakola bridge elevated road of SCLR is 92% completed as of now. In October 2016 JKumar Infra projects Ltd was given the work order of Phase 1 at cost of Rs 449.19 crore. Later the cost increased to Rs 645.95 crore following the crossing of Vakola bridge on Western Express Highway (second level). Now the cost of Phase 1 has been revised again to Rs 669.53 crore. As per the MMRDA the geometry of the bridge has a complexity of 100 degree curve, radius 100 metres and obligatory span of 105 metres. During detail designing it was found that a cable Stay bridge had to be changed. Also, the pier was clashing with the metro 3 tunnel. Therefore, the MMRDA's contractor was asked to keep the foundation of the pier three metres away from the Metro 3 tunnel surface. Similarly, Mumbai Traffic Police asked to change the pier location since it was coming in the carriageway of slip roads. The height of the pylon increased to 48.6 metres from 31 metres. As per the MMRDA following the change in design the contractor has been given additional time till April 2024. Padeco India Ltd which is the project management consultant for this project has been given further extension to review and assess the road work till June 2024. It is expected that the SCLR road will only be opened to traffic after these extensions. The SCLR project has been divided into two Phases. Phase 2 stretches from Bharat Diamond Bourse BKC to Vakola Junction which is also over 90% ready. The cost of Phase 2 is pegged at Rs 236.9 crore. An official said that until Part 1 cable stayed bridge is not completed, the two parts cannot be linked and opened to traffic until. Meanwhile the Phase 2 of the SCLR is also held up for need of defence land.
