29 Facts About Statue Of Unity Of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, World’s Tallest Statue

Dedicated to the Indian Independence movement leader, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Statue of Unity is slated for an inauguration on 31st October 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sardar Patel, who was the first Deputy Prime Minister of India post independence, was also known as the ‘Iron Man of India’ as he played a vital role in India’s struggle for independence and guided its integration into a united and independent nation. The Statue of Unity is, thus, a tribute to one of India’s greatest statesmen, to commemorate his hard work and struggle in leading this country to its independence.

We bring to you all the information you need to know about the Statue of Unity, which will be unveiled very soon.

1. The project was first announced on 7th October 2010

In the year 2010, Narendra Modi disclosed the details of the project at a press conference to mark the beginning of his 10th year as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

2. Tallest statue in the world

Standing tall at 182 metres, this monument surpasses the current tallest monument in the world – Spring Temple Buddha (China) which has a total height of 153 metres. Statue of Unity is the tallest statue in the world, with the height of the base being 58 metres and the statue being 182 metres.

3. The base of the statue have three floors – the exhibit floor, mezzanine and the roof

These levels would house a Memorial Garden and a grand exhibition hall/museum which will exhibit the life story and contributions of Sardar Patel.

4. Located on the river island Sadhu Bet in Narmada district, Gujarat

The statue will face the Narmada Dam and is around 3.2 km away from Sadhu Bet.

5. The statue covers an area of 20,000 square metres and be surrounded by a 12 square kilometre artificial lake

6. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET), a special purpose vehicle was created by the Gujarat government

7. Iron needed for the statue and other structures has been collected from all over India

SVPRET initiated the ‘Statue of Unity movement’ in which farmers across India were asked to donate their used farming instruments. Over 500,000 Indian farmers were expected to donate and over 5000 metric tonnes of iron were collected from six lakh villages in a three-month-long nationwide campaign.

8. Iron collected through donation has not been used for the main statue

As the iron gathered from the farmers was of uncertain quality, it was not used to build the main statue. However, it has been/will be used in other areas of the project such as construction of the bridge, gallery and museum.

9. The statue is being constructed with steel framing, reinforced cement concrete and bronze coating

10. Larsen & Toubro won the contract for the lowest bid

The project is being designed, constructed and maintained by the Indian infrastructure company Larsen & Toubro at an estimated cost of Rupees 2,989 crore.

11. The foundation of this grand statue was laid on 31st October 2013

Narendra Modi (then Chief Minister of Gujarat) laid the foundation stone on the 138th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. Larsen & Toubro started the construction on 31st October 2014.

12. The statue represents Sardar Patel, wearing characteristic garments, in a walking stance

13. The project is built under Public–Private Partnership model

14. The project supervision is done by Michael Graves and Associates, Meinhardt and GroupTurner Construction (project manager of Burj Khalifa)

With most of the money raised by the Gujarat Government.

15. Bridge to reach the statue from the mainland

A 3.5 km highway to connect the Statue of Unity in Sadhu Island to Kevadia town in Gujarat.

16. In order to reach the Statue of Unity, one can also take a 5km boat ride

17. First model of the Statue of Unity was designed by artist and sculpturer Ram V. Sutar

18. The Statue of Unity can withstand wind velocity up to 60 m/sec, vibration and earthquake

19. The monument houses fast elevators which will shorten the transit time for guests

20. Around 4,076 labourers are employed to work at the site, working in two shifts

The site also employs many workers from China.

21. The Observation Deck – Located at a height of 500 ft from the river bed

It will accommodate up-to 200 people at a time. From the deck, guests would be able to catch a panoramic view of the Satpura and Vindhyachal mountain ranges, the Sardar Sarovar Reservoir and the Garudeshwar Reservoir.

22. The structure comprises of the Shrestha Bharat Bhavan, which is a 3-star lodging facility consisting 52 rooms

Apart from that the site would comprise of a walkway, a food court, ticket counter, a four-lane approach highway, a yard where the parts are being assembled currently.

23. The monument site is slated to contain a huge modern canopied public plaza housing food stalls, ornate gifts shops, retail kiosks and many other such amenities

24. The premises will also include research centres, institutes, an amusement park, a convention centre

And would also hold laser and sound and light shows.

25. The bronze cladding of the Statue Of Unity will go through a natural aging process and develop a green patina

26. Separate Selfie point at Statue of Unity

The complex has a separate selfie point from where one can get a good view of the statue and can click photographs.

27. A ‘valley of flowers’ would be laid along the banks of river Narmada.

28. One can book online tickets to visit Statue of Unity

Tickets fare varies from Rs. 350 to Rs. 60, while bus charges is Rs. 30 to reach the spot.

29. Statue of Unity was inaugurated by Narendra Modi on 31st October 2018

While Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of this statue as a Chief Minister of Gujarat, he inaugurated the same upon completion, as the Prime Minister of the country.

It will be interesting to see the impact of this monument on Indian tourism, as with this we can surely say that India is climbing new heights!