World’s Tallest Statue Unveiled in India - "Statue of Unity"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the world’s tallest statue in the state of Gujarat.

The statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is a tribute to independence leader. With a height of 182 meters (600 feet) built on the Narmada river. Worlds Tallest Statue is steel and bronze statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel towers nearly twice the height of New York’s “ Statue of Liberty”. This statue is called “Statue of Unity”. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a leader who played a major role in India’s freedom struggle. He also known as the architect of independent India, he united India’s 562 princely states.

Statue of Unity unveiled by Mr. Narendra Modi on 31^st October 2018 said it is “ a symbol of India’s integrity and resolve.” AirForce planes showered tricolor flowers on the statue.

The statue is designed by Indian sculptor Ram V Sutar. “Statue of Unity” represents the bald Patel in Indian traditional attire, with shawl and slippers. It is estimated that the statue used 2,10,000 cubic meter of concrete, 18,500 tonnes of reinforced steel, 6,500 tonnes of structured steel, 1,700 tonnes of bronze cladding and 250 Engineers, 3,4000 laborers with 13 months of construction time. Cost of the statue is Rs. 2,979 crores( US$400 million approximately).

The statue of “Iron Man of India” – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is located on Sadhu Beyt which is 3.5km downstream from Sardar Sarovar Dam on the bed of Narmada river. At 182 meters, it is the tallest statue in the world.

The statue is an engineering marvel. The key features engineering are -

The statue is designed to withstand strong winds of 180 kmph speed.
The statue can withstand earthquakes of 6.5 intensity on Richter scale.
Flood Protection - The statue base stands above the highest flood level recorded over a 100l year period in the area.
Viewing gallery for 200 people at the height of 135 meters.

The statue consists of 5 zones-

ZONE 1:- Consists of three levels, including an exhibit floor, mezzanine floor and roof. It contains a memorial garden and a large museum

ZONE 2: Height reaches up to the statue’s thighs.

ZONE 3: Goes up to the viewing gallery, which can hold 200 visitors at once. And offers a panoramic view of Sardar Sarovar dam and its neighboring area.

ZONE 4: This zone dedicated to the maintenance area

ZONE 5: Comprises the head and shoulders of the statue. This area is not accessible to visitors.