India is home to many historical monuments, but the Statue of Unity has captured international attention. Located in Gujarat, this statue is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of India’s greatest leaders. The statue, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stands as a symbol of India’s unity and strength.
What is the Statue of Unity?
The Statue of Unity is a colossal sculpture of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It honors his role in unifying India after its independence. Patel was instrumental in bringing together over 500 princely states into the Indian Union, making him a key figure in the nation’s history.
The statue is located on an island in the Narmada River, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat. Standing at 182 meters tall, it is the tallest statue in the world. It surpasses other monumental statues, including China’s Spring Temple Buddha and the Statue of Liberty in the United States.
Who Built the Statue of Unity?
The idea for the statue was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His vision was to pay tribute to Patel’s contributions and inspire national unity. The statue was designed by renowned sculptor Ram V. Sutar, a Padma Shri awardee. Sutar’s extensive experience in creating large sculptures made him the ideal candidate for this ambitious project.
The construction of the statue was managed by Larsen & Toubro, a leading engineering and construction company. They handled the project from acquiring land to ensuring the engineering accuracy and structural stability. It took four years to complete, from 2014 to 2018.
The Cost of the Statue of Unity
The total cost of constructing the Statue of Unity was a massive ₹29.89 billion (US$420 million). The breakdown of costs is as follows:
- ₹13.47 billion for the statue itself.
- ₹2.35 billion for the exhibition hall and monument.
- ₹830 million for the connecting bridge.
- ₹6.57 billion for the statue’s maintenance for the next 15 years.
The entire project was funded by the Gujarat state government. This monumental investment in the statue will also boost tourism in the region, providing an economic boost to the state.
Interesting Facts About the Statue of Unity
- World’s Tallest Statue: The Statue of Unity holds the record as the tallest statue in the world, standing at 182 meters.
- Construction Time: The statue was constructed in a record time of 33 months.
- Visitor Capacity: The gallery inside the statue can accommodate more than 200 visitors at once.
- Earthquake and Wind Resistance: The statue is designed to withstand earthquakes up to 6.5 on the Richter scale and high wind speeds of 60m/sec.
- Structure: The statue is made from a mix of materials. The inner layer consists of reinforced cement concrete (RCC), followed by a steel structure, and the outer layer is bronze plating.
- Funding: The entire project was funded by the state government of Gujarat, amounting to ₹2,989 crore.
How to Visit the Statue of Unity?
The Statue of Unity has become a major tourist attraction. To visit, you must purchase tickets, and there are various ticket options available.
Ticket Options:
- Complete Package: ₹350 This package includes access to:
- Observation Deck
- Valley of Flowers
- Memorial & Museum
- Sardar Sarovar Dam The ticket also includes a bus ride to the statue.
- Basic Package: ₹120 This package includes everything except access to the observation deck. It still includes the bus ride to the venue.
Read Also : Statue of Equality: All You Need to Know
Final Words
The Statue of Unity is not just the tallest statue in the world; it is also a tribute to the vision and leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It reflects his dedication to unity, integrity, and the progress of the nation. This statue stands as a symbol of national pride and a reminder of Patel’s role in shaping modern India.
This monumental sculpture will continue to inspire millions, serving as a beacon of unity and resilience. The Statue of Unity is an architectural marvel that showcases India’s commitment to honoring its great leaders and promoting national pride. Its completion and ongoing success reflect the incredible vision and determination to uphold the values of freedom, justice, and unity.
So, plan a visit to the Statue of Unity and explore the legacy of Sardar Patel’s contributions to India’s freedom and unity.
