A pedestrian walkway built in 2023 with public funds to ease access to Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Temple remains largely unused more than two years after its inauguration, even as heavy crowds continue to choke the narrow approach road outside nearby residential buildings.
Residents` lives are on the line as emergency services are unable to access this lane, currently used by devotees. Pics/Shadab Khan
Angry residents of several buildings in the Mandir vicinity pointed out that the walkway was made to ease devotee access and crowd control, but the alternate entry/exit point for the temple has been vacant for two years, except for sporadic VIP visits. The crush continues outside their buildings, which line the road leading up to the temple from the front side.
Why residents are worried
>> Emergency vehicles cannot enter the crowded lane
>> Footwear piles block movement near homes
>> Daily congestion outside residential buildings
>> Alternate route remains underused
This was made for better crowd management, but where are the crowds?
Walkway at a glance
Length: 0.3 km
Width: 20 ft
Inaugurated: October 15, 2023
Purpose: Crowd management and safer access
Path connects to the rear of temple and was expected to handle large crowds
Residents say the solution is obvious
“Shift devotees and stalls to the alternate road and free up this space. Emergency vehicles can’t reach us now. Our safety is at risk,” one resident said.
About the temple
The temple is more than 250 years old.
The temple is one of Mumbai’s most visited religious sites, drawing thousands of devotees especially during festivals like Navratri.
State minister promises review
Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, who inaugurated the walkway in 2023, said, “The pathway was built for devotees. I will convene a meeting with civic and temple authorities, along with Coastal Road officials, to find out why the devotees cannot access this walkway, freeing up the space for residents and, most importantly, emergency services. Built with public funds worth crores, it must serve the people, especially the devotees.”
