South Asia’s 1st Bridge With Horizontal Curve: SCLR Extension Opening Is Good News For Mumbai

Last Updated:August 12, 2025, 17:46 IST

The SCLR extension, built by the MMRDA, includes a signature cable-stayed bridge — South Asia’s first with a 100-meter horizontal curve

The extension is an addition to the existing SCLR, which is a key east-west connector. (X)

In a respite for Mumbai motorists, extension of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) is likely to open on August 14, the Times of India reported.

The extension is an addition to the existing SCLR, which is a key east-west connector.

SCLR opened in 2014

It was originally opened in 2014. It connects the Eastern Express Highway (Chembur) to the Western Express Highway (Santacruz) via a signal-free corridor.

The new segment, built by the MMRDA, includes a signature cable-stayed bridge — South Asia’s first with a 100-meter horizontal curve.

It features a 215-meter orthotropic steel deck elevated 25 meters above the WEH, supported by a Y-shaped pylon preserving space for Metro Line 3 and utilities underneath, according to reports.

Why horizontal curve matters

In bridge design, a horizontal curve means the bridge bends or turns left or right in plan view (as seen from above), rather than being a straight line.

A 100-meter horizontal curve means the radius of the curve is 100 meters, which is relatively tight for a large bridge—especially one carrying fast-moving vehicles.

Most cable-stayed bridges are designed to be straight, because:

Curves introduce complex forces and torsion (twisting)

Load distribution becomes much harder to manage

Cables and pylons must be angled or offset precisely

In this case:

The SCLR bridge was built with a tight curve of 100 meters horizontally

It’s South Asia’s first such cable-stayed bridge to do so

This design was necessary to avoid metro pillars and existing roads while maintaining clearance and load-bearing stability.

It is a big deal because…

A curved cable-stayed bridge requires advanced structural engineering:

Precision fabrication (in this case, with an orthotropic steel deck from Vietnam)

Sophisticated computer modeling for load balancing

How will the SCLR extension help?

The extension promises a signal-free connection from Kurla to Panbai School (near the airport), significantly cutting east–west congestion, including at Vakola, BKC, and LBS Marg.

It is expected to save motorists 15-20 minutes during peak hours

Additional improvements include upgraded intersections, better drainage systems, and pedestrian-friendly features.

With Agency Inputs

Manjiri Joshi

At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ...Read More

At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ...

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August 12, 2025, 17:45 IST

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