The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation has submitted a proposal to the state government for the construction of the equestrian statue of Shivaji in the Arabian Sea.
CM requested to consider bid to build the statue 3.5 feet taller than Statue of Liberty
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has submitted a proposal to the state government for the construction of the equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji in the Arabian Sea. The empowered committee of the state government had cleared the proposal over a year ago.
MSRDC chairman and minister of the public works department (public undertakings), Anil Deshmukh, said he requested chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh that the construction of the iconic monument, which is to be located 1 km off Marine Drive (between Marine Lines and Charni Road railway stations), be handed over to the MSRDC.
“The MSRDC can handle challenging jobs such as the construction of this monument. I have already spoken to the chief minister regarding the same. Though he has not approved it, I am optimistic that he will definitely consider our request while issuing tenders,” Deshmukh told DNA.
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link —a part of the Western Freeway—which is being built by MSRDC, is nearing completion. Construction on the next phase, from Worli to Haji Ali, is already at the tendering stage. Once the stretch up to Haji Ali is complete, MSRDC will also undertake the construction of the link from Haji Ali to Nariman Point.
“It has already being decided that there will not be any sea link between Haji Ali and Nariman Point, since the government does not want to disturb the aesthetic beauty of the Queen’s Necklace. We will construct a sea link from Haji Ali up to Priyadarshini Park. The route will either be in the shape of an underwater tunnel or a cut-and-cover tunnel along Marine Drive. Since we are undertaking all these challenging works, MSRDC would definitely be interested in constructing the Shivaji monument,” Deshmukh added.
According to MSRDC sources, the organisation has vast experience in sea-based constructions and its expertise can be utilised for the construction of the monument, which is estimated to cost Rs200 crore. Besides the statue there are plans to construct a museum of historical literature and artifacts at the site, along with an amphitheatre. A sound-and-light show on the Maratha warrior king will be the highlight of visits to the landmark.
s_ninad@dnaindia.net
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