A newly unveiled statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort, in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, on May 11, 2025.
| Photo Credit: X/@CMOMaharashtra via PTI Photo

Nine months after a grand statue of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj collapsed at the Rajkot fort in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday (May 11, 2025) unveiled a new and bigger statue at the same location. “A grand statue of Shivaji Maharaj will inspire future generations. An attractive statue has been erected in record time. This statue will stand for at least 100 years. It will lead to the development of the surrounding area to boost tourism,” Mr. Fadnavis said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tendered an apology to the warrior king after the statue Mr. Modi had unveiled collapsed in August 2024. The Government had thereafter announced the construction of a new statue at the same location. A police case was also registered in the matter.

Speaking on the security situation in Maharashtra, the CM said the Government had reviewed security and was in a state of preparedness.

“Special attention was given to the region’s challenging weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and storms typical of the Konkan belt, during the design and construction phases. The statue has been structurally reinforced to withstand extreme weather. Even in adverse conditions such as storms, the statue is designed to remain unaffected and stable, ensuring long-term safety and durability. The statue stands 91 feet tall with a 10-foot pedestrian base, making it the tallest statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in India. The structure has been engineered for durability, with a projected lifespan of 100 years. A ten-year maintenance guarantee has been secured with the builders,” Mr. Fadnavis said.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other Ministers of the Maharashtra government were also present at the unveiling ceremony.

The statue was built at a cost of ₹31.75 crore by the State Public Works Department. The work was completed by the senior sculptor Ram Sutar’s company. The sword-bearing statue stands 60 feet tall and is made entirely of bronze. A stainless steel framework has been used to support the statue, and high-grade M50 concrete and stainless steel bars have been used for the pedestal. The concept and design were verified by the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai.