The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is embarking on an ambitious endeavour to craft a comprehensive pilgrimage facility at the Mahalaxmi Temple, a venture aimed at fostering improved crowd management and seamless linkage with the adjacent coastal road garden. Under the guidance of the guardian minister Deepak Kesarker and the execution leadership of Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Zone 1, Sangita Hasnale, this initiative will be realised through collaboration with architect Abha Narain Lambah's firm and the structural consultancy of Shashank Mehendale.Sangita Hasnale stated, The Mahalaxmi Temple's existing vehicular access limitations can be reimagined through the advantageous proximity of the coastal road. By strategically harmonising these elements at the master planning level, critical concerns such as emergency exits, fire engine access, and ambulance pathways can be adeptly addressed. With a daily average footfall of 70,000 visitors, surging into the lakhs during peak periods like Navratri, our focus is to create a layout that not only revitalises the temple surroundings but also enables multi-point access to the temple precinct.Shashank Mehendale emphasised that while extensive construction isn't proposed for the adjacent areas, a meticulous clean-up and streamlining will be executed to establish robust security and screening protocols. Our intention is to synergise the coastal road garden with the temple experience, accommodating the influx of 70,000 visitors. The garden could facilitate organised queuing, offering screening and restroom facilities for visitors. Our aspiration is to alleviate the issue of long queues extending up to Haji Ali.Abha Narain Lambah delineated three pivotal aspects of the design. Firstly, we revisit the existing street, where a decade ago, we optimised signage and prasad stalls for enhanced alignment and coherence. This endeavour, approved by the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee, is poised for implementation now. The BMC will spearhead this first component.The second facet centres on the temple's stairway, Lambah explained. “Considering the steepness of the steps, we've conceptualised an alternative approach. Adjacent to the temple lies Maheshwari Mansion, poised to transform into a Mahalaxmi pilgrim entry point, housing a purpose-designed structure. Pilgrims will access the grounds at ground level, undergoing security checks. An internal courtyard reminiscent of a 'waada' will feature shoe deposit and rest areas, accommodating the elderly. Facilities for prasad preparation and service will be integrated. A lift will then transport pilgrims to the upper levels, streamlining traffic and improving provisions for the elderly. The Mahalaxmi Temple trust is directly funding this second component.”The third phase leverages the newly reclaimed expanse behind the temple. “This newfound space presents an opportunity to establish myriad entry and exit points for the pilgrimage influx, Lambah disclosed. Thanks to the coastal road, individuals can traverse the sea-facing route from Breach Candy, accessing the temple area from its rear precinct. The creation of a foundational landscape for this garden is currently underway.”All three segments of the project will involve the expertise of Lambah's architectural team and Mehendale's structural engineering team. The temple's core structure will remain unaltered, Lambah confirmed. However, the pilgrimage congregation along the street and prasad stalls will experience an orderly transformation. The temple entry will be channeled through a courtyard, furnished with a lift for direct access to the temple's sanctum, circumventing the need for steep ascent. The third entrance will be facilitated through the coastal road access point.