Pune, 9 July 2025: A majestic 60-foot bronze statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is set to be installed at Pune’s Chandni Chowk, along the Katraj-Dehu Road bypass. Titled the “Hindavi Swarajya Nirmiti Shilp,” this grand memorial will mark the city’s western gateway and serve as a tribute to the Maratha king’s legacy. The project will cost ₹29 crore and has received approval from the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Estimate Committee.
The memorial will be constructed on a 5,542-square-meter plot situated between the Mulshi-Kothrud flyover and the service roads of the Mumbai-Satara National Highway near Bavdhan Khurd. The site design includes large lotus-shaped fountains, vibrant pathways paved with red and yellow stones, an ornate entrance gate, boundary walls, RCC retaining walls, and extensive landscaping.
Initially, the proposal was for a 20-foot statue. However, following public demand and the intervention of Union Minister Muralidhar Mohol, the height of the statue was revised to 60 feet. In response, the PMC redesigned the project to incorporate this significant change and updated the technical plans accordingly.
The construction contract will cover both the statue and its foundation, ensuring consistency in execution. A previous tender worth ₹6.56 crore had already been approved, but due to the increased height and expanded scope, a fresh blueprint was drafted. The project will move forward once the tender process is completed and the work order is issued.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram chaired the meeting that finalized the project’s approval. Once underway, the entire structure is expected to be completed within a year, transforming Chandni Chowk into a symbolic and visual landmark celebrating Maharashtra’s rich heritage.
