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A view of Statue of Unity, in Kevadia colony of Narmada district, Wednesday, Oct 31, 2018. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the 182-metre statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 143rd birth anniversary. (@PMOIndia twitter via PTI) [/caption]
Kevadiya (Guj), Oct. 31 (PTI): Standing on Sadhu Bet, an islet near Sardar Sarovar Dam, the `Statue Of Unity' in Narmada district of Gujarat is expected to be a major tourist attraction. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday. At 182 metres, the statue of India's first Home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty in the US.
"The world's tallest statue would remind the entire world, the future generations about the courage, capabilities and resolution of the person who did this holy work of thwarting the conspiracy to disintegrate Mother India into pieces," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said addressing a gathering after inaugurating the monument.
"The statue will remind those who question India's existence, that this nation was, is and will remain eternal," Modi said. Believed to be the world's tallest monument, it is expected to attract around 10,000 tourists daily, a state government official said.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel under his newly-inaugurated statue 'Statue of Unity', at Kevadiya colony of Narmada district, Wednesday, Oct 31, 2018. (@narendramodi Twitter via PTI Photo)[/caption]
Built with cement, steel and an outer bronze cladding, the statue, which has cost Rs 2,989 crore, has several attractions for tourists. The nearest major town is Vadodara, 100 km away.
A visitor can take a lift installed inside the statue which runs at a speed of 4 metres per second to reach a viewers gallery at a height of 135 metres.
A museum and exhibition hall has been constructed inside the gigantic structure, depicting the life and times of India's `Iron Man.'
A press release from Gujarat chief minister's office said the monument will be open for tourists from tomorrow.