Ahmedabad, Oct 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Statue of Unity, the 182-metre tall statue of Iron Man Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, on Wednesday (October 31). BJP chief Amit Shah, state chief minister Vijay Rupani, deputy CM Nitin Patel, and Madhya Pradesh governor Anandiben Patel are also present on the occasion of 143rd birth anniversary of the 'Iron Man of India'.
October 31 is the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.
Dubbed an 'engineering marvel' by makers Larsen & Toubro, it was built in a record time. Catch all the updates LIVE here as the statue of the Iron Man of India will be unveiled.
Here are the Highlights:
Newest FirstOldest First
11:46 AM, 31 Oct
We are criticised by certain sections despite our effort to honour a leader like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. We are made to feel as if we have committed a crime, says PM
11:45 AM, 31 Oct
These are our age-old traditions that we are carrying forward, says PM
11:45 AM, 31 Oct
Sardar Patel was a patriot, who fought for a independent, united & secular India. A man with a steely will, tempered by compassion, he was a Congressman to the core, who had no tolerance for bigotry or communalism. On his birth anniversary, I salute this great son of India.
Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweets Sardar Patel was a patriot, who fought for a independent, united & secular India.
11:42 AM, 31 Oct
The Statue of Unity will be a key point in building a stronger economy and creating employment, says PM
11:41 AM, 31 Oct
Every individual should take forward Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's vision: PM
11:41 AM, 31 Oct
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Statue of Unity also marks our engineering and technical excellence, says PM Modi at the unveiling of Statue Of Unity at Kevadia, Gujarat.
11:26 AM, 31 Oct
I thank all, who contributed in making this iconic statue – Statue of Unity – a reality: PM
11:26 AM, 31 Oct
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel encouraged women of the nation to have a contribution and say in the national politics, says PM
11:25 AM, 31 Oct
I am amazed when some people of our own country dare to see this initiative from a political view & criticise us like we have committed a huge crime. Is remembering country's great personalities a crime?: PM Modi
11:12 AM, 31 Oct
From Kutch to Kohima and Kargil to Kanyakumari, if we are able to travel without any hindrance, it is because of Sardar Patel's efforts towards a united India, PM Modi said.
11:10 AM, 31 Oct
#WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "if it was not for Sardar Sahab's resolve, then we Indians would have to take visa to see the Gir lions, pray at Somnath, or to see Hyderabad's Charminar". #StatueOfUnitypic.twitter.com/RfAu3tOSyu
Narendra Modi says, "if it was not for Sardar Sahab's resolve, then we Indians would have to take visa to see the Gir lions, pray at Somnath, or to see Hyderabad's Charminar".
11:09 AM, 31 Oct
The monarchy during those days happily gave up their kingdoms to the country because Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel wanted a united India, says PM
11:07 AM, 31 Oct
There was a cloud of doubt about India’s future. However, during those days too, there was only one ray of hope and that was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, says PM at the unveiling of Statue Of Unity at Kevadia, Gujarat
11:06 AM, 31 Oct
This statue will keep reminding the people of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s grit and determination, says PM
11:00 AM, 31 Oct
Tamil Nadu Ministers Kadambur Raju and Ma Foi K. Pandiarajan at the inauguration ceremony of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's #StatueOfUnity in Gujarat's Kevadiya pic.twitter.com/mjanuLuP90
Tamil Nadu Ministers Kadambur Raju and Ma Foi K. Pandiarajan at the inauguration ceremony of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Statue Of Unity in Gujarat's Kevadiya
10:57 AM, 31 Oct
This world's tallest statue – Statue of Unity - will tell the world about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's qualities: PM after unveiling
10:54 AM, 31 Oct
This is a project that we had thought about during the time when I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. To build the Statue Of Unity, lakhs of farmers from all over India came together, gave their tools, portions of soil and thus, a mass movement started
10:53 AM, 31 Oct
I am fortunate that I got the opportunity to dedicate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s statue to the nation, says PM
10:51 AM, 31 Oct
Modi says,'When I thought of this, I was Gujarat CM, I didn't know that one day as PM, I will get the opportunity to unveil the statue. I consider myself fortunate.'
10:51 AM, 31 Oct
This moment is one of the few memorable moments in the history of India, says PM
10:51 AM, 31 Oct
Today the entire nation in remembrance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is observing Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day). Your dedication to the nation is the foundation of our prosperity, says PM
10:50 AM, 31 Oct
Events like today are very very important in a country's history and such events are difficult to erase. It is a historic and inspiring occasion for all Indians. I am fortunate to dedicate this statue of Sardar Sahab to the nation, says PM Modi at the inauguration of Statue Of Unity
10:32 AM, 31 Oct
PM Narendra Modi unveils Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's statue, says, I bow to the stalwart who united the nation.
10:29 AM, 31 Oct
Vijay Rupani welcomes the dignitaries. says, today is a historic day and speaks of PM Modi’s dream come true.
10:29 AM, 31 Oct
Vijay Rupani welcomes the dignitaries. says, today is a historic day and speaks of PM Modi’s dream come true.
Narendra Modi arrives for inauguration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Statue Of Unity
10:22 AM, 31 Oct
Gujarat: BJP President Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani & Deputy CM Nitin Patel, and Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel at inauguration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's #StatueOfUnitypic.twitter.com/VYkQSQGIRD
BJP President Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani & Deputy CM Nitin Patel, and Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel at inauguration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Statue of Unity
10:07 AM, 31 Oct
Glimpses of the ‘Statue of Unity’ that will be dedicated to the nation shortly. pic.twitter.com/UWVYhizMn8
Celebrations underway near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Statue Of Unity in Gujarat's Kevadiya that will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.
8:49 AM, 31 Oct
PM Narendra Modi arrived at the venue at walks through the Valley of Flowers.
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6:30 AM, 31 Oct
PM Modi had laid the foundation stone for the project five years ago, on October 31, 2013, when he was the chief minister of Gujarat.
6:35 AM, 31 Oct
At the launch ceremony, PM Modi will pour soil and Narmada water into a 'kalash' or urn, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.
6:40 AM, 31 Oct
The Statue of Unity, a memorial to Sardar Patel, is situated on an islet here and, at 182 metres, is touted as the world's tallest statue.
6:45 AM, 31 Oct
Local tribal leaders have also announced a boycott of the function citing destruction of natural resources due to the memorial.
6:51 AM, 31 Oct
The headmen of 22 villages situated near the Sardar Sarovar Dam Monday wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that villagers would not welcome him at the inauguration of the Statue of Unity on October 31.
7:34 AM, 31 Oct
We bow to the great Sardar Patel, who unified India and served the nation, Modi said in a tweet.
7:34 AM, 31 Oct
President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President, Venkaiah Naidu and home minister, Rajnath Singh pay floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhai Patel on his 143rd birth anniversary at Delhi.
7:54 AM, 31 Oct
PM Modi would reach Kevadiya at 8.20 am. The main event is from 10 am onwards and would go on till 12.30 pm.
8:07 AM, 31 Oct
Sardar Vallabbhai Patel was a proponent of nationalism, says Home Minister Rajnath Singh
8:08 AM, 31 Oct
If RBI governor resigns then it is a direct consequence of FM blaming him publicly yesterday for NPAs. Patel is a self respecting scholar of economics(Ph.D in Banking from Yale). He should be persuaded to stay.
Patel is a self respecting scholar of economics (Ph.D in Banking from Yale)", tweets Subramanian Swamy.
8:46 AM, 31 Oct
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's statue which is the tallest in the world should have been made years ago. India has today paid tribute to a man who built India, says Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
8:49 AM, 31 Oct
PM Narendra Modi arrived at the venue at walks through the Valley of Flowers.
Celebrations underway near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Statue Of Unity in Gujarat's Kevadiya that will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.
10:07 AM, 31 Oct
Glimpses of the ‘Statue of Unity’ that will be dedicated to the nation shortly. pic.twitter.com/UWVYhizMn8
Glimpses of the ‘Statue of Unity’ that will be dedicated to the nation shortl
10:22 AM, 31 Oct
Gujarat: BJP President Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani & Deputy CM Nitin Patel, and Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel at inauguration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's #StatueOfUnitypic.twitter.com/VYkQSQGIRD
BJP President Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani & Deputy CM Nitin Patel, and Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel at inauguration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Statue of Unity
Narendra Modi arrives for inauguration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Statue Of Unity
10:29 AM, 31 Oct
Vijay Rupani welcomes the dignitaries. says, today is a historic day and speaks of PM Modi’s dream come true.
10:29 AM, 31 Oct
Vijay Rupani welcomes the dignitaries. says, today is a historic day and speaks of PM Modi’s dream come true.
10:32 AM, 31 Oct
PM Narendra Modi unveils Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's statue, says, I bow to the stalwart who united the nation.
10:50 AM, 31 Oct
Events like today are very very important in a country's history and such events are difficult to erase. It is a historic and inspiring occasion for all Indians. I am fortunate to dedicate this statue of Sardar Sahab to the nation, says PM Modi at the inauguration of Statue Of Unity
10:51 AM, 31 Oct
Today the entire nation in remembrance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is observing Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day). Your dedication to the nation is the foundation of our prosperity, says PM
10:51 AM, 31 Oct
This moment is one of the few memorable moments in the history of India, says PM
10:51 AM, 31 Oct
Modi says,'When I thought of this, I was Gujarat CM, I didn't know that one day as PM, I will get the opportunity to unveil the statue. I consider myself fortunate.'
10:53 AM, 31 Oct
I am fortunate that I got the opportunity to dedicate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s statue to the nation, says PM
10:54 AM, 31 Oct
This is a project that we had thought about during the time when I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. To build the Statue Of Unity, lakhs of farmers from all over India came together, gave their tools, portions of soil and thus, a mass movement started
10:57 AM, 31 Oct
This world's tallest statue – Statue of Unity - will tell the world about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's qualities: PM after unveiling
11:00 AM, 31 Oct
Tamil Nadu Ministers Kadambur Raju and Ma Foi K. Pandiarajan at the inauguration ceremony of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's #StatueOfUnity in Gujarat's Kevadiya pic.twitter.com/mjanuLuP90
Tamil Nadu Ministers Kadambur Raju and Ma Foi K. Pandiarajan at the inauguration ceremony of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Statue Of Unity in Gujarat's Kevadiya
11:06 AM, 31 Oct
This statue will keep reminding the people of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s grit and determination, says PM
11:07 AM, 31 Oct
There was a cloud of doubt about India’s future. However, during those days too, there was only one ray of hope and that was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, says PM at the unveiling of Statue Of Unity at Kevadia, Gujarat
11:09 AM, 31 Oct
The monarchy during those days happily gave up their kingdoms to the country because Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel wanted a united India, says PM
READ MORE
Here are 7 interesting facts on Statue of Unity:
The Statue of Unity, built as a tribute to Sardar Vallabhai Patel, is situated 200 kilometres from Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
Built near the Narmada Dam in Gujarat, it is not only the tallest in the world (twice the size of Statue of Liberty in New York) but also built in shortest time.
At 597 feet, the SoU is 177 feet taller than China's Spring Temple Buddha statue (currently the tallest in the world) which took 11 years to build.
The statue is built by infrastructure giant Larsen & Toubro at a cost of Rs 2,989 crore. It is made up of 18,500 tonnes of reinforced steel, 6,500 tonnes of structural steel, 1,700 tonnes of bronze, 1,850 tonnes of bronze cladding made up of some 565 macro & 6,000 micro panels.
There are two high-speed passenger elevators at the statue's star shaped-core which will take visitors to the chest level where the viewing gallery is located.
The statue can withstand wind speed of 180 km/ hr. It can survive earthquakes measuring up to 6.5 on the Richter Scale, at a depth of 10 km and within a radius of 12 km of the statue.
The Rs 3,050 crore project, fully funded by the Gujarat government, was brought to fruition by Padma Bhushan-winning sculptor Ram V Sutar and intricate bronze cladding work by a Chinese foundry, the Jiangxi Toqine Company (JTQ).
About Statue of Unity Tickets:
Post the grand celebration marking the inauguration event, the statue will be open for public visit from November 3. People will have to book tickets online to visit the statue -- at www.soutickets.in.
Entry ticket for adults is priced at Rs 120 while for children (between three to 15 years), it is Rs 60. The ticket includes entry to the 'Valley of Flower', memorial, museum and an audio-visual gallery, SOU site and the Sardar Sarovar Dam. For observation deck view, the ticket is priced at Rs 350.
Tickets to avail the bus services cost Rs 30 for adults and Re 1 for children. If you have booked entry ticket or observation deck ticket, then the bus ticket need not be booked separately.
The Statue of Unity can be visited from 9 am to 6 pm.