The Statue of Unity
The Statue of Unity to be built in the memory of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (Sardar Patel), will be the tallest statue in the world. The Iron Man of India, Sardar Patel, is known for his contribution in reuniting India after independence. It was a difficult task to pursue the rulers of 550 independent and divided states to join India; however, it was due to Sardar Patel’s earnest efforts that helped in building today’s India. The statue is a tribute to this great architect of modern and united India. The statue is expected to be the source of inspiration for the upcoming generations and also remind the great works of Sardar Patel.
Location of the Statue of Unity
The statue will be located at Sadhu Bet, an island situated 3 kilometers away from the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat. The Sardar Sarovar Dam is gravity dam built on the river Narmada and is a part of Narmada Valley Project. The height of the statue is 182 metres which makes it the tallest one in the world. It is also one of the largest projects of the country. Tourists have to embark in a boat to reach the statue.
The project plan of the Statue of Unity
The Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi had announced this grand project in a press conference in Ahmedabad’s GLS auditorium on the last day before completion of his 9 years as Gujarat chief minister. The statue is going to be built by Turner Construction of US who is reputed for building many famous and giant structures such as Burj Dubai, the Yankee Stadium of New York etc. The project cost is estimated to be Rs. 2500 crore and will be completed in 36 months (approximately three years). Turner will be monitoring project management activities right from pre-design phase, floating of tender documents for engineering, procurement and construction. The consultancy fees of Turner itself will be to the tune of Rs. 61 Crores.
According to the plan it will be double the size of ‘Statue of Liberty’ in the US (the height of the Statue of liberty is 93 meters) and four times higher than the statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’ located in Rio De Janeiro. It has been rising with public corporation through a registered society or trust under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Modi who invited suggestions of the adept across the world. The project is owned by Gujarat government’s sponsored trust, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET).
