East Meets West: SCLR Extension Set to Supercharge Chembur Real Estate Boom

Mumbai is set to witness a major infrastructure breakthrough as the final phase of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) extension nears completion. Scheduled to become operational by July 2025, the project is expected to revolutionize east-west connectivity and ignite real estate demand across eastern suburbs, particularly in Chembur.

This final leg of the SCLR project, spearheaded by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), will link key neighbourhoods like Kurla, Chunabhatti, Chembur, Kalina, and the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) via a seamless, signal-free corridor. A standout feature of the extension is a dramatic 90-degree cable-stayed flyover that will soar above the Western Express Highway (WEH), providing direct and uninterrupted access between the eastern and western parts of the city.

By bypassing congested routes such as Vakola and Hans Bhugra Marg, the new corridor is expected to significantly reduce travel time during peak hours, especially for commuters heading to the airport and key business hubs. In addition to improving commute times, the extension is anticipated to ease pressure on local roads, bringing long-awaited relief to residential areas that often bear the brunt of through-traffic.

Real estate developers and investors are optimistic about the project’s potential to catalyse growth in the eastern suburbs. A spokesperson from the Chandak Group commented, “The SCLR extension marks a new era for Mumbai’s eastern corridor. Chembur’s enhanced connectivity to commercial zones and the airport will naturally elevate its residential appeal. Improved accessibility directly boosts liveability and buyer confidence.”

Chembur has already experienced the ripple effects of infrastructure upgrades. Following the earlier phases of the SCLR, the area recorded a 25% rise in property prices, fuelled by the cumulative impact of projects like the Eastern Freeway, Monorail, and Mumbai Metro. The upcoming completion of the SCLR extension is expected to push prices and rental yields even higher.

A seasoned investor observed, “East-west connectivity was the missing link in Mumbai’s infrastructure. Now, with this gap finally being bridged, micro-markets like Chembur and Kalina are set for a significant value surge.”

As the city counts down to July 2025, the SCLR extension stands not only as a transformative mobility solution but also as a powerful trigger for urban renewal. For homebuyers, developers, and investors, the message is clear—Mumbai’s eastern suburbs are on the cusp of a new growth chapter.