The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has invited bids worth Rs 58 crore for redevelopment and beautification of the Mumbadevi temple precinct, even as a Rs 122-crore robotic parking project in the area remains stalled under a stay imposed in July 2024.
The new tender has raised concerns over a possible overlap with the plot earmarked for the parking facility. The contractor executing the robotic parking project, SMS Ltd, has challenged the stoppage in the Bombay High Court and is seeking Rs 55 crore in damages.
The dispute comes shortly after the High Court observed that officials who unlawfully stop public projects and cause financial losses should potentially bear the resulting costs rather than burdening taxpayers.
Overlap with parking reservation questioned
According to BMC officials, the original cost of the precinct project has been revised from Rs 220 crore to Rs 28 crore. However, officials have raised concerns that the proposed works could extend into land reserved for the robotic parking facility.
“The ongoing parking project has been left as is in the new tender. The same work has been on hold for over 1.5 years, yet a tender has been floated for development of the adjoining area. Further, the tender also encroaches on the parking reservation, which violates the DP Rules and Regulations,” an official said.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Prajakta Lavangare-Verma said she would obtain details of the ongoing court proceedings and examine the issue.
At its previous hearing, the Bombay High Court permitted SMS Ltd to modify its petition and challenge the new tender if it is found to include the same parking-related work. The court has also directed the BMC and state government to submit their responses. The next hearing is scheduled for August 18, while the civic body’s tender is open until August 17.
Robotic parking project remains stalled
The partially constructed 17-storey robotic parking tower, designed to accommodate around 600 vehicles, has remained incomplete since Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar ordered a stay in July 2024.
Narwekar had raised objections based on concerns from residents that the structure could affect the visual character and heritage setting of the Mumbadevi temple.
He has said the project involves questions of faith, devotion and feasibility, particularly because the proposed tower could obstruct views of the temple.
In January 2025, the state Urban Development Department asked Narwekar to decide on the matter after former Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani warned that continued delays could increase the project cost.
Source: The Times of India
