22 May,2009 08:12 AM IST | | PTI
Maharashtra Government has shortlisted two designs for a 309-feet high statue of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji to be erected in the Arabian Sea off Marine Drive in south Mumbai.
The designs, one by Indian company P G Patki Associates and another of Thailand-based company Bensney, were selected from amongst the 11 submitted by the architects from across the globe after the state government floated a global tender for the project, a senior official said today.
The Government has sanctioned Rs 300 crore for the statue, having the Maratha king mounted on a horse, to facilitate the monument on the lines of the Statue of Liberty in New York The plan also includes a garden and a museum, which will give information about the life of king Shivaji.
"The design submitted by Patki Associates recreates the atmosphere of a fort and also incorporates an amphitheater, public telephone booths, baby care center and a cafeteria," the official told PTI.
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On the other hand, the Bensney design has a complete modern look, similar to some world-recognised structures, the official added.
The decision was taken at a meeting held at the secretariat today, chaired by Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, he said adding, "Final design would be decided after a meeting next week."
Informing that the site for the statue has been changed due to hurdles of the submarine cables of VSNL, the official said, "The new location is opposite Police Gymkhana near Charni Road station in south Mumbai".
The statue will be a major tourist attraction in the city, he added.
