BB Desk
As the final phase of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) extension nears completion and with operations expected to begin in July 2025, Mumbai’s infrastructure landscape is poised for a major leap. This critical infrastructure upgrade will stitch together the city’s east and west through a seamless, signal-free corridor—culminating in a striking 90-degree cable-stayed arm that flies over the Western Express Highway (WEH).
As the SCLR extension readies for launch this July, it stands not only as a transport solution but as a powerful driver of urban regeneration
Reaffirming optimism around this development, a spokesperson from Chandak Group said, “The completion of the SCLR extension marks a new chapter for Mumbai’s eastern suburbs. Chembur, in particular, will see a sharp uptick in residential interest, thanks to its now-unmatched accessibility to both business districts and the airport. Improved commute times naturally enhance livability, which directly translates into increased buyer confidence.”
Spearheaded by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the SCLR extension is one of the agency’s flagship projects focused at improving east-west connectivity in the city. While large parts of the corridor have been functional for years, this final stretch has long been awaited. Once operational, it will dramatically ease movement across Kurla, Chembur, Chunabhatti, Kalina, and the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) – offering direct, detour-free access to the WEH while bypassing congested stretches like Vakola and Hans Bhugra Marg.
The flyover is slated to drastically cut-down travel time, particularly during peak hours, while also smoothing traffic flow towards Mumbai Airport. In addition to facilitating faster commutes, the development will help decongest local roads—offering long-awaited relief to residential neighborhoods often clogged with through-traffic.
Apart from the tangible travel advantages, the extension is already catalyzing real estate momentum in the eastern suburbs. Chembur, in particular, is emerging as a hotbed of residential activity. After the initial phase of SCLR, Chembur saw a 25% jump in property prices, attributed to the cumulative effect of major infrastructure projects like the Eastern Freeway, Monorail, Metro, and SCLR itself. This historical precedent strongly suggests a similar or greater impact from the completion of the SCLR extension. Rental yields are also poised to rise, further sweetening the proposition for both end-users and investors.
A long-time investor and real estate enthusiast added, “For years, east-west connectivity has been the missing piece in Mumbai’s infrastructure puzzle. Now, with this final link in place, micro-markets like Chembur and Kalina are geared for a significant price appreciation. It’s a great time for both end-users and investors to explore these locations before property prices escalate.”
As the SCLR extension readies for launch this July, it stands not only as a transport solution but as a powerful driver of urban regeneration. For homebuyers, developers, and investors alike, the signal is clear: Mumbai’s east is rapidly growing and setting the pace for city’s next phase of development.
