Malvan, Maharashtra — A new and taller 83-foot
bronze statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been installed at Rajkot
Fort in Malvan, months after the collapse of the previous statue caused a
major political embarrassment. The new statue is expected to be inaugurated
on May 1, coinciding with Maharashtra Day.
🔧 Project Highlights:
- Height:
83 feet (including sword)
- Pedestal
height: 10 feet
- Material:
Bronze with a duplex stainless steel frame
- Cost:
₹21.9 crore
- Builder:
Ram Sutar’s firm — renowned for monumental sculptures across India
- Assembled:
Statue parts (10 feet each) were brought from Noida and assembled at the
site starting March 3
🛠️ Background:
In August 2024, the earlier 35-foot statue of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj collapsed just months after its inauguration
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The incident sparked political outrage,
especially with state elections looming at the time. PM Modi even issued a public
apology.
A subsequent government inquiry revealed:
- Internal
corrosion and rust
- Faulty
welding
- A weak
iron frame
Following the probe, sculptor Jaydeep Apte and structural
consultant Chetan Patil were arrested on charges of negligence, fraud,
and endangering public safety.
🧪 Safety & Stability
Checks
To ensure the new statue’s durability, the Indian
Institute of Technology (IIT) has vetted the design and structure. “We have
taken a guarantee that the statue will last 100 years,” said Mahendra
Kini, executive engineer of the Sawantwadi Public Works Department (PWD).
🗓️ Expected Inauguration:
- Date:
May 1, 2025 (Maharashtra Day)
- Location:
Rajkot Fort, Malvan
As scaffolding is being removed and final touches are
underway, the state awaits what promises to be a grand unveiling — honoring one
of India’s greatest warrior kings with a fitting symbol of strength and
resilience.