Mumbai Government Announces ₹350 Crore Development Plan

Mumbai: As the assembly elections approach, the Maharashtra state government is poised to initiate several significant development projects within the next 15 days. Key enhancements will focus on the surroundings of the Mahalaxmi and Mumbadevi temple precincts, a comprehensive facelift for the Haji Ali dargah, and beautification efforts around the Gateway of India. Mumbai's guardian minister, Deepak Kesarkar, announced a fund of Rs 50 crore allocated to ten assembly seats in the island city for these initiatives. During a review of 62 projects undertaken over the past two years, Kesarkar emphasized his accountability for the development work in the region. He noted that many projects planned last year are either in the tendering phase or set to commence shortly. The Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with his deputies Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis, will conduct ground-breaking ceremonies for some of these projects in the coming weeks. The Mumbadevi temple precinct will see development using natural materials, including stones and basalt, with designated spaces for rituals and improved crowd management. Additionally, a new building in the Mahalaxmi temple precinct will be constructed with an investment of Rs 60 crore. The Haji Ali dargah facelift will involve the construction of two retaining walls and raising the pathway height to seven meters. Kesarkar also announced plans to clear all encroachments along the road from Crawford Market to Mumbadevi within the next four days, further emphasizing the government's commitment to urban development ahead of the elections.