Mumbai: Ahead of the state assembly elections, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is set to inaugurate and perform bhoomi pujan for 23 projects worth over a thousand crores in next week. These projects include enhancements to the surroundings of the Mahalaxmi and Mumbadevi temple precincts, a major facelift to the iconic Haji Ali Dargah, the revamp of Fashion Street, a food truck area at Budhwar Park, and beautification efforts in various locations. The program scheduled for October 6 has been postponed by the BMC.
With the model code of conduct for the assembly elections expected to be announced soon, the state government has expedited the groundbreaking ceremony. The list includes the improvement of Mumbadevi temple precinct using natural materials, such as stones and basalt. The project will feature designated spaces for rituals, including mundan ceremonies and havans, as well as enhanced areas for better crowd management.
"The detailed project report for the initiative is ready, and a tender will soon be invited for the work, with an estimated cost of Rs 150 crores," said a civic source. Additionally, there will be improvements to the Mahalaxmi temple precinct, involving a new building, enhanced connectivity, and upgraded visitor facilities, with a total investment of Rs 25 crores. The proposed facelift for the Haji Ali Dargah involves constructing two retaining walls, each 264 meters in length, on either side of the pathway, along with a rock armor bund.
Additionally, the heig.