The recently inaugurated section of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) extension in Mumbai has quickly become a subject of disappointment for commuters. After a video surfaced on Twitter that exposed the deteriorating condition of the road several commuters took to social media platforms to express their frustration.
The video showcased the recent rains, which stripped away the bitumen and formed dangerous potholes. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office (CMO) were also tagged in the video.
The condition of newly constructed flyover from Kurla to Santacruz through the Mumbai university @mybmc @CMOMaharashtra pic.twitter.com/t1xEU30ehO
— Pradeep Mestry (@mestryp) July 2, 2023
The project was aimed at reducing travel time between Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and the Western Express Highway (WEH). Costing a staggering INR 645 crore, the elevated corridor has already faced severe criticism due to its substandard construction and the emergence of numerous potholes.
The civic body acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the poor condition of the road and promptly apologised to the affected commuters. They requested the precise location of the affected area for immediate assistance. It was soon revealed that the potholes were found in the flyover connecting the Santacruz highway to SCLR.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) was responsible for supervising the project. J. Kumar, a renowned infrastructure development firm, took charge of its construction. Padeco India Ltd. was chosen as the project management consultant (PMC) to ensure smooth execution.
However, the revised cost of Phase 1 of the SCLR Extension project soared to INR 645 crore, significantly surpassing the initial estimate of INR 449 crore. The project's timeline was also heavily impacted by various factors. This includes delays in obtaining traffic obstruction permissions and the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result, Phase 1 construction was finally finished in February 2023. It was initially slated for completion by October 2019. The focus now shifts to Phase 2 of the SCLR Extension project. Currently under construction, Phase 2 aims to address additional transportation challenges by incorporating a cable-stayed bridge at Vakola Nullah near Hans Burg Marg.
The completion of the cable-stayed component is still pending, with the erection of spans remaining unfinished.
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