Mumbai: Following the recommendations of consultant, the BMC has undertaken a structural repair and strengthening of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) and Swami Narayan flyover in Kurla. The total estimated cost of the repair work is around Rs 31 crores and the work is expected to complete in next 15 months.
SCLR is a vital 6.45-km-long and 45.7-meter-wide arterial road in Mumbai, linking the Western Express Highway (WEH) in Santa Cruz with the Eastern Express Highway (EEH) in Chembur. This six-lane road was developed as part of the World Bank-funded Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), with an investment of Rs 454 crore.
The subsequent phase of construction was financed by Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) using its resources. In 2015, MMRDA transferred the management of SCLR to the municipal corporation.
No repairs have been done on the SCLR bridge since its construction. Last year, the civic body appointed a consultant for a structural audit of Mumbai's bridges, including SCLR. The audit revealed that the bridge requires urgent repairs.
A senior civic official said, "The girders have cracks, the footpath needs restoration, and the UPVC pipes are damaged. The surrounding area has overgrown plants that need removal, and the bridge’s paintwork and rust also need attention. Structural strengthening is essential to ensure the bridge's long-term safety, durability, and functionality. Similarly the flyover in Kurla also needs some repairs."
The route comprises three key flyovers: Amar Mahal, Kurla Kalina, and the Double Decker flyover. In 2021 inspection conducted by the BMC and the railway authority revealed a pressing need for repairs to both the link road and the flyovers. Among the three flyovers, the CST Road flyover is the most significant, spanning 3.45km. Additionally, the route includes a 560-meter Kurla Kalina flyover on LBS Road and a 1.8 km double-decker flyover.
