Following the collapse of a monumental statue of Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot fort in Sindhudurg nine months earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis revealed a larger replacement monument at the identical site on Sunday (May 11, 2025). “An impressive statue of Shivaji Maharaj will motivate coming generations. A striking monument has been constructed in unprecedented time. This structure will endure for no less than a century. It will contribute to regional development and enhance tourism,” stated Mr. Fadnavis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously offered his regrets to the legendary king following the August 2024 collapse of the statue he had originally dedicated. The administration subsequently declared plans for a replacement monument at the same site, while authorities also filed a police complaint regarding the incident.
Addressing Maharashtra’s security concerns, the Chief Minister indicated that the government had assessed security measures and maintained readiness.
“Particular focus was placed on the area’s difficult climate conditions, including intense monsoons and storms characteristic of the Konkan region, throughout the planning and building stages. The monument has been structurally strengthened to resist severe weather patterns. Even during harsh conditions like tempests, the statue is built to remain unaffected and secure, guaranteeing extended safety and longevity. The monument measures 91 feet in height including a 10-foot pedestrian platform, establishing it as India’s tallest statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The construction has been designed for permanence, with an anticipated lifespan of 100 years. A decade-long maintenance warranty has been obtained from the contractors,” explained Mr. Fadnavis.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde along with additional Maharashtra government ministers attended the dedication ceremony.
The monument required ₹31.75 crore in funding and was constructed by the State Public Works Department. The project was executed by renowned sculptor Ram Sutar’s organization. The sword-wielding figure stands 60 feet high and is crafted completely from bronze. A stainless steel support system reinforces the statue, while premium M50 concrete and stainless steel reinforcement bars form the foundation. The design concept and engineering were validated by the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai.
