Mumbai's Revolutionary 90-Degree Curved Cable-Stayed Bridge Set to Transform City Connectivity

Mumbai authorities announced that the highly anticipated Santacruz–Chembur Link Road (SCLR) extension would open to the public on August 14, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the city's infrastructure development. The project features South Asia's first cable-stayed bridge with a distinctive 90-degree curved design, promising to revolutionize east-west connectivity across Mumbai.

Engineering Marvel with Unique Design Features

Officials revealed that the 215-metre-long bridge rises 25 metres above the Western Express Highway, incorporating a unique Y-shaped pylon and an orthotropic steel deck. The bridge's remarkable 90-degree horizontal curve, featuring a turning radius of 100 metres, was designed to eliminate the need for mid-span piers, ensuring seamless integration with surrounding transport infrastructure, including the Metro Line 3 tunnels.

Significant Traffic Relief and Travel Time Benefits

Transport authorities stated that once operational, the bridge would provide commuters with a direct, signal-free connection from the Eastern suburbs to the Western Express Highway near Vakola. Officials projected that travelers would save between 15 and 20 minutes during peak hours, while areas including Vakola, BKC, and LBS Marg were expected to experience substantial traffic decongestion.

The corridor was also designed to enhance accessibility to Mumbai Airport and reduce overall fuel consumption by alleviating traffic bottlenecks across the city. This development aligns with broader Mumbai infrastructure upgrades impacting travel and real estate prospects in 2025.

Project Challenges and Cost Escalation

Construction of the project commenced in 2016 with an initial budget allocation of ₹450 crore. However, project officials acknowledged that design complexities and contractor changes resulted in delays, pushing the final cost to approximately ₹650 crore. The completion of this infrastructure project was expected to resolve several persistent traffic choke points, including University Junction and Hans Bhugra Marg.

Traffic Management and System Updates

Municipal authorities confirmed plans to update signal timings and traffic management systems to accommodate the increased vehicle flow, ensuring the bridge delivers optimal benefits from its opening day. These improvements are part of key infrastructure developments driving Mumbai's connectivity and economic growth.

Project Specifications Overview

This infrastructure development represents a significant addition to Mumbai's transportation network, complementing other major projects such as the Mumbai Coastal Road updates and contributing to the city's broader connectivity improvements.