Statue of Unity

The Statue of Unity, which ranks as the tallest statue in the world, is located on the River Island called Sadhu Bet near Rajpipla, Gujarat. The statue was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on the 31st of October, 2018.

Designed as a memorial to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (popularly dubbed as the Iron Man of India), he was the first Deputy Prime Minister of India. Patel was the founding father of India, who played a leading role in the country’s struggle for independence and guided its integration into a united and independent nation. Patel was widely recognized as an activist and a freedom fighter who fought rigorously for the freedom of Indians.

Here are some of the very interesting facts about the Statue of Unity:

1. Larsen and Toubro Ltd, which designed and executed the project, deployed a team of over 3,000 workers and 250 engineers and completed the project in a record time of 33 months. At 182 meters, the Statue of Unity is 23 meters taller than China’s Spring Temple and almost double the height of the Statue of Liberty in the US. It is expected to be a major tourist destination in Gujarat.
2. The statue is designed in such a way that it can withstand a wind velocity of up to 60m/s and earthquakes measuring up to 6.5 on the Richter scale, making it an exceptionally stable structure.
3. The statue, however, is assumed to be weakest at its base due to the walking pose of Sardar Patel, which resulted in a gap of 21 feet between the two legs.
4. The project was first announced on the 7th of October, 2010, and the construction of the Statue of Unity started on the 31st of October, 2013. The project, which cost 420 million USD, was fully funded by the Gujarat government.
5. The statue provoked a lot of criticism from the populace, who felt that the huge amount of money spent on the statue should have been allocated to improving the country’s economy. However, government officials are of the opinion that nearly 15,000 direct jobs will be generated for the tribal people every year from the project.
6. The viewing gallery of the statue, located at 153 meters, is believed to accommodate 200 people at a time and offers an expansive view of the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
7. The monument had over 50,000 visitors on the first two days of its inauguration, a testament to its popularity.
8. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET), a special-purpose vehicle set up by Modi in 2011, arranged 129 tonnes of iron from nearly 100 million farmers in 169,000 villages across India to construct the base of the statue as part of the ‘Loha’ campaign.
9. The Statue of Unity is not just a monumental structure but also a key contributor to the economy. The influx of tourists visiting the statue is expected to generate substantial revenue for the state.

Visit Statue of Unity Taxi Service – H H Travels

10. Visitors can take advantage of the night laser show at the Statue of Unity, which is a spectacular visual experience narrating the history of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
11. Jungle Safari: One of the key attractions near the Statue of Unity is the Jungle Safari, spread across 375 acres. It houses over 170 species of animals and birds from India and across the world, including tigers, giraffes, and zebras, making it a great family-friendly destination.
12. Cactus Garden: Located nearby is the Cactus Garden, home to over 450 species of cacti and succulents from across the globe. It’s a unique botanical experience for nature lovers.
13. Ekta Cruise: For those who wish to explore the beauty of the river surrounding the Statue of Unity, the Ekta Cruise offers a serene boat ride experience on the Narmada River, giving visitors a unique view of the statue from the water.
14. Helicopter Rides: The Statue of Unity also offers helicopter rides, providing a breathtaking aerial view of the statue and the surrounding areas, making it a popular choice for tourists looking for a thrilling experience.
15. For tourists planning a trip to the Statue of Unity, booking a reliable taxi service is essential. H H Travels provides the best taxi service in Ahmedabad, making it convenient for visitors to travel to and from the Statue of Unity. With professional drivers and well-maintained vehicles, H H Travels ensures a comfortable and enjoyable journey, whether you’re heading to Rajpipla, Vadodara, or other nearby destinations.

The Statue of Unity continues to draw tourists from across the globe, reinforcing its status as one of the most significant landmarks in India. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a tourist seeking to explore this magnificent structure, a visit to this iconic statue is a must.

What People Ask About the Statue of Unity

1. Where is the Statue of Unity located?

The Statue of Unity is located on Sadhu Bet Island, near Rajpipla, in the Narmada district of Gujarat, India. It overlooks the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River.

2. Why was the Statue of Unity built?

The statue was built to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister, who played a significant role in uniting the country after its independence in 1947. It celebrates his contributions to the nation and symbolizes unity.

3. How tall is the Statue of Unity?

The Statue of Unity stands at a height of 182 meters (597 feet), making it the tallest statue in the world. It is nearly twice the height of the Statue of Liberty in the USA.

4. What are the visiting hours and ticket prices for the Statue of Unity?

The Statue of Unity is open to visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Ticket prices vary, with entry tickets typically priced around ₹150-₹380 for adults, depending on access to different zones, such as the viewing gallery.

5. What are the nearby attractions to visit around the Statue of Unity?

Some nearby attractions include:

• Sardar Sarovar Dam
• Valley of Flowers
• Jungle Safari
• Cactus Garden
• Ekta Cruise on the Narmada River

6. How do I reach the Statue of Unity from Ahmedabad?

Visitors can travel to the Statue of Unity by road or train. The nearest railway station is Kevadiya, around 5 km from the statue. Alternatively, you can hire a reliable taxi service, such as H H Travels, which provides the best taxi service in Ahmedabad for comfortable travel to and from the site.

7. What facilities are available at the Statue of Unity?

Facilities at the site include:

• A viewing gallery at 153 meters, offering panoramic views.
• A museum dedicated to Sardar Patel.
• Restaurants and food courts.
• Parking, electric buses, and washrooms for visitors’ convenience.