Mumbai: BMC Invites Tenders For ₹78-Crore Siddhivinayak Temple Beautification Project

Mumbai’s iconic Shree Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi is set to undergo a major facelift, as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has officially invited tenders for the first phase of its beautification and redevelopment project, valued at ₹78 crore. This long-awaited move is aimed at decongesting the busy temple precinct, enhancing visitor amenities, and giving the spiritual landmark a renewed aesthetic appeal.

A Project Long in the Making

The Siddhivinayak Temple, built more than two centuries ago, is one of Mumbai’s most visited religious landmarks, drawing lakhs of devotees every year. Its growing popularity, however, has created challenges—particularly in terms of crowd management, traffic congestion, and unregulated vendor activity outside the premises.

To address these concerns, the BMC had, in January 2024, announced an ambitious ₹493-crore redevelopment plan for the precinct. The project’s first stage is now moving forward, nearly two years after being conceptualised.

An architectural consultant was earlier appointed to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR), obtain statutory approvals, and draft tender documents. With those formalities complete, the civic body has issued a tender notice for contractors to bid on the first-phase works.

Key Details of the Tender

According to officials, the tenders were floated this week, with October 13 set as the submission deadline. Interested bidders will also attend a pre-bid meeting on September 29 at the G/North Ward Office in Dadar West, where project specifics and clarifications will be discussed.

The first phase will focus heavily on reducing congestion and beautifying the temple’s exterior. Planned works include:

• Construction of two underground parking lots to reduce roadside traffic.
• Reconstruction of the main entry gate, which will be renamed Siddhi Gate.
• Installation of marble wall carvings on the temple façade.
• Replacement of the existing roof canopy.
• Laying of new flooring around the premises for smoother pedestrian movement.

A senior BMC official explained, “The Siddhivinayak Temple is a cultural landmark for Mumbai. This redevelopment will balance tradition with modern facilities, ensuring that devotees experience both convenience and spirituality during their visit.”

 

Phased Redevelopment Plan

 

While the current tender covers only the first stage, the Siddhivinayak project is envisioned as a three-phase redevelopment.

• Phase 1 (₹78 crore): Focus on easing congestion and enhancing the temple’s exterior appeal.
• Phase 2: Creation of a facilitation centre to streamline visitor entry, reduce waiting times, and improve overall crowd management. This stage will also include setting up new security check posts for enhanced safety.
• Phase 3: Construction of a new entrance called Riddhi Gate, which will be located along Kakasaheb Gadgil Marg. This gate, along with Siddhi Gate, will serve as symbolic twin entry points—named after Lord Ganesha’s consorts, Riddhi and Siddhi—adding a cultural and spiritual layer to the project’s design.

Officials said that once work begins, the first phase will be completed within 12 months.

Why the Redevelopment Is Needed

On most days, the temple precinct is bustling with flower vendors, stalls, and heavy pedestrian traffic. During festive periods, especially Ganesh Chaturthi, the congestion multiplies several times over, straining both the temple’s infrastructure and the city’s traffic system.

The redevelopment plan is expected to tackle these long-standing issues by streamlining entry and exit points, providing modern parking facilities, and improving crowd management. The introduction of symbolic gateways and upgraded aesthetics will also add to the spiritual and cultural charm of the site.

Balancing Heritage With Modern Needs
 

Conservationists have pointed out that while beautification is welcome, it is equally important to retain the temple’s historic character. Officials have reassured that all upgrades will be in keeping with the temple’s cultural heritage, with designs inspired by traditional motifs.

Urban experts note that the Siddhivinayak precinct redevelopment is part of a larger citywide trend where religious and cultural hubs are being modernised to handle rising footfall. Similar projects have been undertaken in Varanasi and Ayodhya, where heritage structures were upgraded with modern infrastructure while preserving their spiritual essence.

Devotee Reactions

News of the redevelopment has been met with enthusiasm from devotees, many of whom see the project as a much-needed step. A frequent visitor said, “During peak hours, it becomes very difficult to enter or exit the temple because of the crowd. If this project reduces congestion, it will be a blessing for both devotees and the local community.”

However, some local shopkeepers have expressed concerns over displacement. Civic authorities have promised that the redevelopment will balance the needs of vendors and ensure that livelihoods are not adversely affected.

Looking Ahead

The beautification of the Siddhivinayak Temple precinct is more than just a civic project—it reflects Mumbai’s broader efforts to blend faith, culture, and modern urban planning.

If completed on schedule, the project will not only enhance the temple experience for devotees but also serve as a model for managing heritage sites in rapidly growing urban environments. With tenders now open and timelines in place, the next 12 months will be crucial in shaping the future look of one of Mumbai’s most revered landmarks.