Kalina-BKC Shortcut Nears Completion, Promises 20-Minute Time Save

The long-awaited Kalina-Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) road project is finally back on track after a delay of over three years, according to a mid-day report. The delay was mainly caused by the presence of 17 old hutments known as Watchman Chawl, which stood in the path of the proposed road. These homes, over 100 years old, were originally built by security guards working at the University of Mumbai in Kalina.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) had started the road project in 2019 and completed nearly 90 per cent of the work. However, progress was stalled on the Kalina side due to the hutments, which were located right next to the university.

Now, with an agreement in place to shift the residents, the final obstacle has been removed. All families-except one-have been moved to an MMRDA housing project in Vidyavihar. The last remaining hutment will now be demolished so that the MMRDA can begin road-widening work. The new road will have two lanes on both sides and is expected to reduce travel time by 15 to 20 minutes.

Some residents shared their concerns about the relocation. One person, who wished to remain anonymous, said, "We used to live in a green chawl with a garden in Kalina. Now we are in a project building in Vidyavihar. We sent many letters to the MMRDA but received no reply. In the end, we had no option but to move. We did get flats under the government's policy, but the new place is not ideal."

Important Shortcut For Thousands

Once finished, the Kalina-BKC road will be an important shortcut for people travelling from Kalina, Vakola, and BKC. Until now, commuters had to use CST Road or the BKC junction at Kala Nagar. This often caused heavy traffic, especially during peak hours.

Senior Police Inspector Manoj Shinde from the BKC Traffic Division said, "This is a big relief for Kalina and Vakola residents. Traffic congestion will go down by about 15 to 20 per cent because of this new road. We expect the road to be open within the next two months."

He explained that many people currently get stuck on the Diamond Market main road during the morning and evening rush. "This new road will give them a direct route. It will be especially useful for those going to BKC, which is a central business area and a common site for public events and rallies," he added.

Inspector Shinde also mentioned plans to ask MMRDA to open the divider near the new road's entrance. "Right now, drivers have to take a U-turn 50 metres ahead to enter. We plan to remove the divider and add a signal for smoother traffic flow."

A Piece Of Mumbai's Past

The Watchman Chawl has been a part of Kalina's history for over a century. A resident explained, "Our grandparents used to work as guards at Mumbai University. They built these homes so they could stay close to work."

Out of the original chawl, only 17 structures remained in recent years. These included homes, a small garage, and some shops. The MMRDA started building the road from the BKC side and had completed most of it, but work on the Kalina side had to stop due to the remaining structures. In October 2024, a narrow lane was created to allow vehicles through. Now, with all families moved, full construction can continue.

The MMRDA has not commented on the latest development, but local officials and residents hope the road will be fully ready and open to the public in the coming weeks.