CM Fadnavis unveils Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue at Navi Mumbai International Airport

The statue has been developed by Navi Mumbai International Airport Private Limited (NMIAL). Pic/X

A grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was unveiled at Terminal 1 of Navi Mumbai International Airport on Saturday in a ceremony attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and several dignitaries.

The memorial has been installed as a tribute to the legendary Maratha ruler's leadership, courage and enduring legacy, while also showcasing Maharashtra's rich cultural heritage to travellers arriving at the airport, an official statement said.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, MLAs Prashant Thakur and Mahesh Baldi, and former MP Ramsheth Thakur.

Several senior officials were also present, including Divisional Commissioner Rubal Agrawal, CIDCO Joint Managing Director Shantanu Goel, and representatives of Navi Mumbai International Airport. Atul Patil, son of late farmers' leader D.B. Patil, also attended the event.

Airport landmark developed by NMIAL

The statue has been developed by Navi Mumbai International Airport Private Limited (NMIAL). It features a 12-foot bronze bust of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj installed on an 8-foot-high pedestal, creating a prominent landmark within the airport premises, the statement said.

The sculpture was created by renowned Navi Mumbai-based artist Nitin Rohidas Gorde of Aakar Art and Sculpture.

The artwork has been crafted using copper-alloy bronze and is based on a design approved by the Directorate of Art, Government of Maharashtra.

8-month project to become cultural attraction

The memorial took more than eight months to complete and is expected to become a major attraction at the airport.

Officials said the monument will serve as a cultural landmark for domestic and international passengers, offering visitors a glimpse into Maharashtra's history and the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

12-foot bronze statue

Developed by Navi Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd., the installation features a 12-foot bronze bust of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj mounted on an 8-foot pedestal. It is crafted using copper-alloy bronze based on a model approved by the Directorate of Arts, Government of Maharashtra.

The statue, completed over a period of more than eight months, reflects Maharashtra's rich cultural heritage and is expected to become a prominent landmark within the airport precinct, officials said.

(with PTI inputs)