Shiv Sena Member of Parliament Arvind Sawant raked the issue of wanting a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj right in front of the CSMT world heritage building – which is also the headquarters of Central Railway
There is a plan to build seven different Shivaji Forts with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statute as well, next to platform number 18 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). However the Shiv Sena wants the statue to be right in front of the UNESCO World Heritage building, which has now caused a fresh controversy over the Rs 1,800 crore project that was conceptualised by Commerce minister and former Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu in February 2016.
On Wednesday, during the inauguration of certain passenger facilities at CSMT, Shiv Sena Member of Parliament Arvind Sawant raked the issue of wanting a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj right in front of the CSMT world heritage building – which is also the headquarters of Central Railway (CR). "We don't want Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue somewhere behind. This building represents Shivaji and so the railways should have his statue built at the front that is visible to people," said Sawant.
At present there is a circular garden in front of the entrance of the 129-year-old building before the gates. Flag hoisting also takes place at this location. This is despite the fact that there is a bust of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the entrance of this building, where staircases lead to the two floors above.
However, now the MP has demanded a statue be put here. Currently, the world heritage site is adorned with gargoyles, a lion and tiger and the faces of architects who built the building. "If the rail authorities don't take this seriously then Sainiks will come on streets," added Sawant.
The CR authorities have prepared the design, showcasing the façade that will display the replicas of these seven fortress, namely Raigad, Panhala, Sinhgad, Shivneri, Rajgad, Bhulkot and Janjira. However, senior CR officials said that the elaborate plan of constructing these seven forts is on a backburner. These forts will still be erected next to platform number 18 of CST railway station from where long distance trains depart, next to P D'Mello road.
"Shivaji statue will be built here at CSMT, wherever there is space available," said Rajein Gohain, Minister of State (Railways).The General Manager of Central Railway, DK Sharma Sawant, during the same event, replied to Sawant saying that the railways can think about it if they are given an official proposal.
Sawant was also irked with the fact that Union Railway ministers and those from the railway ministry come from Delhi for the smallest of inauguration. "The union ministers come here to inaugurate toilets and escalators. The local MPs don't get a chance to inaugurate amenities," added Sawant.
SHIVAJI MAHARAJ'S FORTS
- The Shivneri fort will be placed at the centre among the other forts and will be the tallest.
- There will be an exhibition centre inside, with 7D shows showcasing different facets of Mumbai in an auditorium that can seat 3,000 people.
- The exhibition room will also have a resting room for passengers.
- These forts will have light and sound shows, showcasing the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and would be created across a 100x600 yard area.
OTHER STATUES
- The Maharashtra government has proposed a 210-metre-high statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at a cost of Rs 3,600 crore.
- This has been planned in the Arabian sea for which they have received environmental clearance. Once built, it would be the world's tallest statue.
- There are other statues located at Mumbai airport, Shivaji Park, Juhu beach and the Gateway of India.
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