We have read in books and on google earlier that the world’s largest statue is the statue of Liberty, right? Now, history has changed, and the country that has the largest statue in the world is none other than our country, our pride, India. India is increasing its ranking in the world in everything. Now it became famous, and it’s the only country that carries the world’s largest statue, the statue of Unity, the Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel statue is a tribute to the Iron Man of India.
The statue stands at 182m height or 597 feet, the statue was constructed on the isle of Sadhu Bet island, which is near the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the banks of the Narmada river. The world’s tallest statue, the statue of Unity height is twice of the height of the statue of Liberty in New York and four times the height of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. The Statue of Unity was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 31st October 2018 on the 143rd birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The statue is surrounded by the Vindhyachal and Satpuda Mountain ranges, the Statue of Unity is built in a beautiful location that faces the Sardar Sarovar Dam which is 3.2 kms away from the statue. The Statue of Unity represents Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s belief and vision of unity, good governance, growth and patriotism. The massive bronze Vallabhbhai statue was designed by Indian sculptor, Ram Vanji Suthar, a Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri awardee for his contribution to the field of arts, and in his entire 40 years of career he has created over 50 monumental sculptures.
The total cost of the construction of the statue was around 2700 crore, and more the 3000 workers and over 250 engineers have worked on this project. The Statue of Unity spreads over an area of more than 2 acres and is surrounded by an artificial lake that is 12 kms.
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The statue of unity is divided into five zones, but it has opened up three zones for the public. The first zone of the Statue of Unity has a museum, an exhibition area, and a memorial garden. The first zone is from the base of the statue to the leg part and the knee. While the second zone reaches the thigh of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel statue, the third zone reaches a height of 153 meters, to the viewing gallery, the stunning views of the Narmada River and the spectacular views of Satpura and Vindhyachal ranges. Zone 4 and 5 are the up levels which are the maintenance area.
How to reach?
The nearest railway station is Ekta Nagar railway station and the Vadodara railway station also because from Vadodara it is 100 kilometers from Vadodara, and 200 kilometers from the capital Ahmedabad.
Vadodara airport is 90 kilometers away from the location, one can hire a private taxi and cab or use state transport to reach the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel statue.
The time of statue of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel statue opens at 9 am and closes at 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
There is also a laser light and sound show daily after 7 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. The Statue of Unity is closed on Mondays for the maintenance.
The cost of a ticket- is Rs 150 (for adults) and the cost of a ticket for a child (three years to 15 years) is Rs 90.
Interesting facts that you should know
- The height of the tallest statue is 182 meters to match the number of seats, 182, in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly.
- The outer structure has 1700 tonnes of bronze plates and 1850 tonnes of bronze cladding which consists of 565 macro and 6000 micro panels.
- The Statue of Unity is equipped to stand in the winds of 130 kilometers per hour velocity and earthquakes measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale.
- The concrete towers that make up the statue’s legs have 2 elevators each that can carry 26 people at one time to the viewing gallery.
- The viewing gallery at 153 meters can accommodate up to 200 people in one go offering great views of the dam and its surroundings.
- Even the statue has its separate zone for selfie lovers.
- About 5700 metric tons of structural steel and reinforcement bars of 18500 metric tons were used in the construction of the Statue of Unity.
- The Statue of Unity is billed to generate over 15,000 direct jobs for the local tribal folks every year.
- there is a 25-year contract to handle the daily activities and maintenance of the structure.
