Fadnavis launches Rs 78 cr first phase of Siddhivinayak temple redevelopment project in Mumbai

Mumbai, May 25 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday inaugurated the first phase of the redevelopment project connected to Mumbai's iconic Siddhivinayak Temple in the presence of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and its trustees, an official said.
The work is part of a Rs 500 crore master plan aimed at upgrading infrastructure, security and facilities for devotees, he added.
According to a release, the first phase of the redevelopment project includes construction of new entrance gates, installation of new stonework on the inner and outer walls of the temple and development of a two-level parking facility with a capacity for 124 vehicles.
Addressing the gathering, Shinde said the Mahayuti government was committed to ensuring better security and modern amenities for the lakhs of devotees visiting the temple every year.
"Siddhivinayak is not only Mumbai's presiding deity but also one of the country's most prominent and revered temples. Devotees from India and abroad come here for darshan, making it necessary to develop the temple premises with improved security, infrastructure and facilities," he said.
Shinde said the decision to allocate funds for the redevelopment was taken jointly with Fadnavis during his tenure as chief minister after the temple trust highlighted the need for enhanced crowd management and safety arrangements.
He said the nearly 225-year-old temple, founded in 1801 by Laxman Patil and Dehubai Patil, required expansion and modernisation in view of the increasing number of devotees.
The government is giving priority to the development of religious and spiritual centres, he said citing projects such as the Pandharpur development plan and redevelopment works at Bhimashankar Temple etc.
The deputy CM also said grants for 'A' category temples in Maharashtra had been increased from Rs 2 crore to Rs 5 crore.
Referring to the redevelopment of the Ram Mandir, Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shinde said Maharashtra was also working on the development and beautification of major temples in the state.
"The Siddhivinayak redevelopment plan has been prepared under expert guidance and will be completed in phases," Shinde added.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)