Mumbai Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has mandated the accelerated renovation of the Siddhivinayak Temple to ensure that enhanced amenities are ready for the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi, which falls on September 7 this year.
The Mumbai Municipal Corporation has earmarked INR 500 crore for the comprehensive overhaul of the temple complex. The renovation plans, as outlined in the presentations to the Chief Minister, include the development of a five-kilometre corridor around the temple, the construction of new retail spaces, enhanced parking facilities, and improved queue management systems for devotees.
CM Shinde has stressed the need for the technical requirements to be swiftly met and for the renovation work to commence in time for the festival. The project’s goal is to significantly enhance the temple experience by providing upgraded infrastructure and better amenities to accommodate the surging number of visitors. Sada Sarwankar, Chairman of the Siddhivinayak Temple Trust, detailed that the renovation will include improved parking arrangements, additional seating areas, and covered spaces to protect devotees from extreme weather conditions.
The project will also see the upgrade of 98 stalls for puja items and flowers, and an increase in CCTV cameras to bolster security for both domestic and international visitors. Three companies have presented their designs and blueprints for the renovation, with a consultant set to be appointed to finalise these plans. The Mumbai Municipal Corporation will soon initiate the bidding process to kick-start the construction. The Siddhivinayak Temple has experienced a significant rise in visitor numbers, necessitating these upgrades.
