The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) proposed rejuvenation project for the iconic Mumbadevi temple precinct has been temporarily halted after objections were raised over the planned robotic parking facility. Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker and local MLA Rahul Narwekar has asked the civic body to prepare a comprehensive redevelopment plan that includes an appropriate parking solution before moving ahead.
The proposal for a vertical robotic parking system was introduced in 2024 as part of the temple area’s beautification plan. The facility was planned in the garden adjacent to the temple to address parking shortages and reduce congestion in the crowded Bhuleshwar area.
However, the proposal faced opposition from the Mumbadevi Temple Charitable Trust, which expressed concerns that the structure could impact the temple’s surroundings, affect its heritage character and create security-related issues. Following the objections, the BMC is now considering an underground parking facility as a possible alternative.
Narwekar recently held discussions with BMC officials and other stakeholders regarding the concerns raised over the parking plan.
“I have asked the BMC to stop the beautification project. They should come back with a detailed plan that includes parking facilities,” Narwekar said.
The civic body is expected to revise the proposal and examine the feasibility of underground parking, though officials clarified that a final decision has not yet been taken.
Meanwhile, the larger beautification project remains separate from the parking proposal. The BMC has already issued a ₹57 crore tender for improving the temple precinct, and officials said the parking component was not included in the existing tender.
The redevelopment plan includes the Swagat Sankul Plaza with a drop-off area, EV charging station and entrance gateway, along with the Mumbadevi Dalan featuring landscaped gardens, fountains and heritage trails. It also includes a Yoga and Meditation Zone, Pilgrim Recreation Area with Mumbadevi Kund and lotus ponds, and a Pilgrim Facility Zone offering amenities such as toilets, resting facilities, first-aid rooms and a feeding room for nursing mothers.
Hemant Jadhav of the Mumbadevi Temple Charitable Trust reiterated the trust’s concerns over the robotic parking proposal.
“We oppose robotic parking for security reasons. It will also compromise the temple’s spiritual environment. We are not aware of the underground parking proposal yet. We need to study the plan before deciding our stand,” Jadhav said.
A BMC official said discussions with stakeholders will continue before finalising the revised parking plan.
“We will meet all stakeholders again before taking a final decision,” the official said.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
