The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revived the long-pending redevelopment of the Mumbadevi Temple precinct by issuing a fresh tender worth Rs 88 crore, nearly two years after the project was put on hold. The revised proposal excludes the previously planned robotic parking tower and instead focuses on enhancing public amenities, improving pedestrian movement and preserving the heritage character of the area.
The redevelopment of the 6,700-square-metre temple precinct was originally announced in 2024 to address chronic congestion around the historic Mumbadevi Temple, dedicated to Mumbai’s presiding deity. The area experiences heavy footfall during festivals, often leading to overcrowding and limited access to basic visitor facilities.
The initial proposal aimed to accommodate up to 7,000 devotees at a time through wider walkways, landscaped spaces, seating areas, temple gardens, toilets, nursing rooms and facilities designed for senior citizens. However, the project was suspended in July 2024 after plans for a 17-storey robotic parking tower with capacity for 546 vehicles drew widespread opposition.
With the parking component now removed, the civic body has significantly reduced the project cost from the earlier Rs 220 crore estimate to Rs 88 crore. The revised plan covers three BMC-owned plots surrounding the temple and seeks to transform the precinct into a cleaner, safer and more pedestrian-friendly public space.
The redevelopment will include stone-paved walkways, landscaped gardens, decorative lighting, CCTV surveillance, improved signage and upgraded civic amenities. Visitors will also benefit from new seating areas, drinking water facilities, public toilets, a first-aid room, a nursing room and other convenience features aimed at improving the overall pilgrimage experience.
The project also includes a long-term maintenance component.
“The contractor will be responsible for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the developed area for a period of five years after completion of the work. The project is expected to improve the overall experience of devotees and visitors while enhancing the cultural and heritage significance of the Mumbadevi Temple precinct,” said an official.
The revived redevelopment initiative is expected to improve crowd management, enhance public infrastructure and preserve the heritage significance of one of Mumbai’s most revered religious landmarks while offering a more comfortable experience for devotees and visitors.
Source: The Free Press Journal
