Statue of Unity

Then chief minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi announced the project on 7 October 2013 to mark the beginning of his tenth year as the chief minister of the state.{{cite news|url=http://m.indianexpress.com/news/for-iron-to-build-sardar-patel-statue-modi-goes-to-farmers/1138798/|title=For iron to build Sardar Patel statue, Modi goes to farmers|date=8 July 2013|work=The Indian Express|access-date=30 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101174902/http://m.indianexpress.com/news/for-iron-to-build-sardar-patel-statue-modi-goes-to-farmers/1138798/|archive-date=1 November 2013|url-status=live}}

A society named Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET) was formed under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister of Gujarat, to execute the project.{{cite web|url=http://statueofunity.in/projectleadership|title=Statue of Unity|website=statueofunity.in|access-date=7 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425131553/http://statueofunity.in/projectleadership|archive-date=25 April 2019|url-status=dead}}

The Statue of Unity Movement was started in 2013 to collect the iron needed for the statue by asking farmers to donate their used farming instruments.{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/Pan-India-panel-for-Modis-unity-show-in-iron/2013/10/20/article1844830.ece|title=Pan-India panel for Modi's unity show in iron|work=The New Indian Express|access-date=15 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131118092715/http://newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/Pan-India-panel-for-Modis-unity-show-in-iron/2013/10/20/article1844830.ece|archive-date=18 November 2013|url-status=dead}} By 2016, a total of 135 metric tonnes of scrap iron had been collected and about 109 tonnes of it was used to make the foundation of the statue after processing. A marathon titled Run For Unity was held on 15 December 2013 in Surat and Vadodara in support of the project.{{cite news|title=Large number of people run for unity|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/Large-number-of-people-run-for-unity/articleshow/27462752.cms|access-date=21 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224122558/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-12-16/surat/45255010_1_surat-municipal-corporation-unity-diamond-city|archive-date=24 December 2013|work=The Times of India|url-status=live}}

File:Sardar patel (cropped).jpg was an Indian independence leader responsible for India's unification out of 562 princely states.{{cite book |last1=Menon |first1=V.P. |title=Integration of the Indian States |date=15 September 1955 |publisher=Orient Blackswan |location=Bangalore |isbn=8125054510 }} |left|upright]]

File:Praful_Patel,_the_Minister_of_State_(Independent_Charge)_for_Micro,_Small_and_Medium_Enterprises,_Shri_Dinsha_J._Patel_and_other_dignitaries_at_the_unveiling_ceremony_of_the_statue_of_Sardar_Vallabh_Bhai_Patel.jpg]]

After studying statues of Patel across the country a team of historians, artists, and academics chose a design submitted by the Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar.{{efn|1=According to a senior Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNL) official, the Gujarat government initially hired an American consultant who commissioned sculptor Joseph Menna to create the Statue of Unity{{'}}s first digital proof-of-the-concept model. However, once they realised that Menna's model was an adaptation of Ram Sutar's statue of Patel at Ahmedabad airport, the government directed L&T to avail the services of Sutar himself.{{cite news |last1=John |first1=Paul |title=Iron man statue is outsourcing magnet |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Iron-man-statue-is-outsourcing-magnet/articleshow/55136676.cms |access-date=9 November 2018 |work=The Times of India |date=30 October 2016}}}} The Statue of Unity is a larger version of a statue of the leader installed at Ahmedabad International Airport. Three models of the design measuring 0.91 metres (3 ft), {{convert|5.5|m|ft}}, and {{convert|9.1|m|ft}} were initially created. Once the design of the largest model was approved, a detailed 3D scan was produced which formed the basis for the bronze cladding cast in a foundry in China.{{cite news |last1=Dave |first1=Hiral |title=Behind the making of Statue of Unity |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/behind-the-making-of-statue-of-unity/story-k67YKhhZaXb68ph5Zos54M.html |access-date=9 November 2018 |work=Hindustan Times |date=14 October 2018 |language=en}}

The design showing Patel's dhoti-clad legs and sandalled feet make the statue narrower at the base with a slenderness ratio that varies between 16 and 19, significantly higher than most tall buildings with ratios between 8 and 14.{{cite conference |last=Howell |first=William |last2=Panch |first2=Jairam |last3=Nadkarni |first3=Mandar |last4=Wisniewski |first4=James |title=Logistical and Structural Design Challenges of the World |url=https://global.ctbuh.org/resources/papers/download/2423-logistical-and-structural-design-challenges-of-the-worlds-tallest-statue.pdf |format=PDF |conference=CTBUH 2015 International Conference |conference-url=http://ctbuh.org |editor-last=Wood |editor-first=Antony |editor2-last=Sharry |editor2-first=Alannah |place=Chicago, Illinois |year=2015 |pages=72–84 |isbn=978-0939493456 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206093038/https://global.ctbuh.org/resources/papers/download/2423-logistical-and-structural-design-challenges-of-the-worlds-tallest-statue.pdf |archivedate=6 February 2023 |quote=The key challenge of the structural design was to determine a structural system that could minimise large and undesirable movements inherent to the structure due to the shape and slenderness of the statue's core, as well as adequately resist loads due to gravity, wind, and earthquakes while still allowing the legs and feet to be seen. Considering the varying form, the slenderness ratio varies between 16 and 19. Which is significantly higher than the generally accepted norm of limiting slenderness ratios of tall buildings, which are generally between 8 and 14.}} This presents a challenge to the stability which was addressed in part through the use of two 250-tonne tuned mass dampers.{{Cite web |date=2 November 2018 |title=India Unveils 'Statue of Unity' – The World's Largest Statue |url=https://www.borntoengineer.com/india-unveils-statue-of-unity-the-worlds-largest-statue |access-date=1 April 2022 |website=Born to Engineer |language=en |quote=Two 250 tonne tuned mass dampers were placed at chest height to control the sway in high winds.}}{{Cite web |date=23 March 2019 |title=The Statue of Unity {{!}} Sardar Patel {{!}} L&T |url=https://www.larsentoubro.com/corporate/products-and-services/sardar-patel/the-statue-of-unity |access-date=1 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323231651/https://www.larsentoubro.com/corporate/products-and-services/sardar-patel/the-statue-of-unity |archive-date=23 March 2019 |quote=To arrest any sway of such a tall structure, two Tuned Mass Dampers of 250 tonnes each have been used.}} The statue is built to withstand winds of up to {{convert|180|kph}} and earthquakes measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale which are at a depth of 10 km and within a radius of 12 km of the statue.

The total height of the structure is {{convert|240|m||abbr=on}}, with a base of {{convert|58|m||abbr=on}} and the statue measuring {{convert|182|m||abbr=on}}.{{cite news|url=http://m.ibnlive.com/news/gujarat-sardar-patel-statue-to-be-twice-the-size-of-statue-of-liberty/431317-3-238.html|title=Gujarat: Sardar Patel statue to be twice the size of Statue of Liberty|date=30 October 2013|access-date=30 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031222804/http://m.ibnlive.com/news/gujarat-sardar-patel-statue-to-be-twice-the-size-of-statue-of-liberty/431317-3-238.html|archive-date=31 October 2013|url-status=live|publisher=CNN-IBN}} The height of 182 metres was specifically chosen to match the number of seats in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly.{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sardar-vallabhbhai-patel-statue-of-unity-worlds-tallest-statue-iron-man-5370011/|title=Iron Man 2.0|last=Raja|first=Aditi|date=23 September 2018|work=The Indian Express|access-date=16 November 2018|language=en-US}}

The Statue of Unity was built by a Public Private Partnership model, with most of the money coming from the Government of Gujarat. The Gujarat state government had allotted {{INRConvert|500|c|lk=|year=2015}} for the project in its budget from 2012 to 2015.{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/lt-to-build-statue-of-unity-centre-grants-rs-200-crore/|title=L&T to build Statue of Unity, Centre grants Rs 200 crore|date=11 July 2014|work=The Indian Express|access-date=14 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815222501/http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/lt-to-build-statue-of-unity-centre-grants-rs-200-crore/|archive-date=15 August 2014|url-status=live}} In the 2014–15 Union Budget, {{INRConvert|200|c|lk=|year=2014}} was allocated for the construction of the statue.{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/statue-of-unity-gets-rs-200000-crore/article6197549.ece | title=Statue of Unity gets ₹200 crore. | work=The Hindu | date=10 July 2014 | access-date=11 July 2014}}{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/07/10/indias-new-budget-includes-33-million-to-build-the-worlds-tallest-statue-not-everyone-is-happy/ | title=India's new budget includes $33 million to build the world's tallest statue. | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=10 July 2014 | access-date=11 July 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710220334/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/07/10/indias-new-budget-includes-33-million-to-build-the-worlds-tallest-statue-not-everyone-is-happy/ | archive-date=10 July 2014 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}{{cite news | url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-india-budget-statue-idUKKBN0FF1PZ20140710 | title=India's Modi budgets $33 million to help build world's tallest statue | work=Reuters | date=10 July 2014 | access-date=13 July 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714223803/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/07/10/uk-india-budget-statue-idUKKBN0FF1PZ20140710 | archive-date=14 July 2014 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }} Funds were also contributed by Public Sector Undertakings under the Corporate Social Responsibility scheme.{{citation |title=Fact Check: Who funded the tallest statue in the world? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fact-check/story/fact-check-statue-of-unity-funding-1384904-2018-11-09 |work=India Today |date=9 November 2018 }}

File:Statue of Unity under construction.jpg

File:The statue of unity under construction (7).jpg

{{Height comparison of notable statues}}

A consortium comprising Turner Construction, Michael Graves and Associates and the Meinhardt Group supervised the project. The project took 57 months to complete – 15 months for planning, 40 months for construction and 2 months for handing over by the consortium.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Burj-Khalifa-consultant-firm-gets-Statue-of-Unity-contract/articleshow/15593464.cms|title=Burj Khalifa consultant firm gets Statue of Unity contract|date=22 August 2012|work=The Times of India|access-date=28 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727125839/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-22/ahmedabad/33321734_1_tallest-statue-narmada-dam-narmada-river|archive-date=27 July 2013|url-status=live|agency=TNN}} The total cost of the project was estimated to be about {{INRConvert|2063|c|lk=|year=2014}} by the Government.{{cite news | url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_gujarat-s-statue-of-unity-to-cost-a-whopping-rs2500-crore_1699760 | title=Gujarat's Statue of Unity to cost Rs 25 billion | work=Daily News and Analysis | date=8 June 2012 | access-date=28 March 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611030038/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_gujarat-s-statue-of-unity-to-cost-a-whopping-rs2500-crore_1699760 | archive-date=11 June 2012 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} The tender bids for the first phase were invited in October 2013 and were closed in November 2013.{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/first-phase-of-statue-of-unity-to-cost-rs-2-063-cr-113102800706_1.html|title=First phase of 'Statue of Unity' to cost Rs 2,063 cr|work=Business Standard|date=28 October 2013|access-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029144403/http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/first-phase-of-statue-of-unity-to-cost-rs-2-063-cr-113102800706_1.html|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=live}}

Narendra Modi, then serving as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, laid the statue's foundation stone on 31 October 2013, the 138th anniversary of Patel's birth.{{cite news |title=India's Narendra Modi lays foundation stone for 'world's tallest statue' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-24753802 |access-date=10 November 2018 |work=BBC News |date=31 October 2013}}{{cite news| url=http://m.indianexpress.com/news/ground-gets-set-for-statue-of-unity/1181225/| title=Ground gets set for Statue of Unity| work=The Indian Express| date=11 October 2013| access-date=13 October 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030025623/http://m.indianexpress.com/news/ground-gets-set-for-statue-of-unity/1181225| archive-date=30 October 2013| url-status=live| df=dmy-all}}

Indian infrastructure company Larsen & Toubro won the contract on 27 October 2014 for its lowest bid of {{INRConvert|2989|c|lk=|year=2014}} for the design, construction and maintenance of the statue.{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/lt-to-build-statue-of-unity-centre-grants-rs-200-crore/|title=L&T to build Statue of Unity, Centre grants Rs 200 crores|date=11 July 2014|work=The Indian Express|access-date=12 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017175756/http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/lt-to-build-statue-of-unity-centre-grants-rs-200-crore/|archive-date=17 October 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/gujarat-govt-issues-rs-2-979-cr-work-order-to-l-t-for-statue-of-unit-114102700649_1.html|title=Gujarat govt issues Rs 2,97-cr work order to L&T for Statue of Unity|date=28 October 2014|work=Business Standard|access-date=28 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027144842/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/gujarat-govt-issues-rs-2-979-cr-work-order-to-l-t-for-statue-of-unit-114102700649_1.html|archive-date=27 October 2014|url-status=live}} L&T commenced the construction on 31 October 2014. In the first phase of the project, ₹1,347 crore was earmarked for the main statue, ₹235 crore for the exhibition hall and convention centre, ₹83 crore for the bridge connecting the memorial to the mainland and ₹657 crore for the maintenance of the structure for a duration of 15 years after its completion. The Sadhu Bet hillock was flattened from 70 metres to 55 metres to lay the foundation of the statue.

L&T employed over 3000 workers and 250 engineers in the statue's construction. The core of the statue used {{convert|210,000|m3|ft3}} of cement and concrete, 6,500 tonnes of structural steel, and 18,500 tonnes of reinforced steel. The outer façade is made up of 1,700 tonnes of bronze plates and 1,850 tonnes of bronze cladding which in turn consists of 565 macro and 6000 micro panels. The bronze panels were cast in Jiangxi Tongqing Metal Handicrafts Co. Ltd (the TQ Art foundry) in China as facilities large enough for such casting were unavailable in India.{{cite news |title=Sardar Patel's Statue of Unity inauguration today: World's tallest statue is an engineering marvel |url=https://www.livemint.com/Companies/z9KNZfDJBIFtkYn2o7pRVN/Sardar-Patels-Statue-of-Unity-inauguration-today-Worlds-t.html |work=Live Mint |date=31 October 2018 |access-date=31 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031045812/https://www.livemint.com/Companies/z9KNZfDJBIFtkYn2o7pRVN/Sardar-Patels-Statue-of-Unity-inauguration-today-Worlds-t.html |archive-date=31 October 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/sardar-patels-statue-of-unity-to-be-unveiled-in-gujarat-on-wednesday/articleshow/66431623.cms|title=Statue of Unity to be unveiled in Gujarat on Wednesday|work=The Economic Times|access-date=31 October 2018}} The bronze panels were transported over sea and then by road to a workshop near the construction site where they were assembled.

Local tribals belonging to the Tadvi tribe opposed the land acquisition for the development of tourism infrastructure around the statue.{{cite news |title=Indian farmers fume at 430m dollars cost of Gujarat statue |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-45978120 |access-date=17 November 2018 |work=BBC News |date=28 October 2018}} Around 300 activists were arrested ahead of unveiling of the statue.{{cite news |title='Statue of Unity tourism zone will displace us from our lands': Why Adivasis protested Modi event |url=https://scroll.in/article/900473/drowned-dreams-why-nearly-300-adivasis-were-detained-before-modi-could-unveil-the-statue-of-unity |work=Scroll.in |date=1 November 2018}} People of Kevadia, Kothi, Waghodia, Limbdi, Navagam, and Gora villages opposed the construction of the statue and demanded the restitution of the land rights over {{convert|927|acre||order=flip}} of land acquired earlier for the dam as well as for the formation of a new Garudeshwar subdistrict. They also opposed the formation of the Kevadia Area Development Authority (KADA) and the construction of the Garudeshwar weir-cum-causeway project. The government of Gujarat accepted most of their demands.{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/Statue-of-Unity-Govt-bows-to-villagers-demands/articleshow/24831601.cms | title=Statue of Unity: Govt bows to villagers' demands | work=The Times of India | date=28 October 2013 | agency=TNN | access-date=30 October 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103153609/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/Statue-of-Unity-Govt-bows-to-villagers-demands/articleshow/24831601.cms | archive-date=3 November 2013 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}

Construction of the monument was completed in mid-October 2018; and the inaugural ceremony was held on 31 October 2018 (143rd birth anniversary of Vallabhbhai Patel), and was presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.{{Cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/statue-of-unity-ready-for-inauguration-on-october-31-10-interesting-facts-about-worlds-tallest-statue/1347830/|title=Statue of Unity ready for inauguration on October 31: 10 interesting facts about world's tallest statue|date=13 October 2018|work=The Financial Express|access-date=13 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013105552/https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/statue-of-unity-ready-for-inauguration-on-october-31-10-interesting-facts-about-worlds-tallest-statue/1347830/|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-to-unveil-statue-of-unity-on-oct-31-rupani/articleshow/64908893.cms|title=PM Modi to unveil Statue of Unity on Oct 31: Rupani|website=The Times of India|date=8 July 2018 |access-date=31 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801190518/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-to-unveil-statue-of-unity-on-oct-31-rupani/articleshow/64908893.cms|archive-date=1 August 2018|url-status=live}} The statue has been described as a tribute to Indian engineering skills.{{cite news |title=Statue of Unity is also a tribute to Indian engineering skills |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/statue-of-unity-also-a-tribute-to-indian-engineering-skills-says-l-t-118102800216_1.html |work=Business Standard |date=28 October 2018 |access-date=31 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028112519/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/statue-of-unity-also-a-tribute-to-indian-engineering-skills-says-l-t-118102800216_1.html |archive-date=28 October 2018 |url-status=live |agency=Press Trust of India }}

File:Narendra Modi visiting the Museum, Exhibition and the Viewers’ Gallery, during the dedication of the ‘Statue of Unity’ to the Nation, on the occasion of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, at Kevadiya, in Narmada District of Gujarat (3).JPG in the museum within the complex]]

The Statue of Unity is the world's tallest statue at {{convert|182|m|ft}}. It rises {{convert|54|m|ft}} higher than the previous record holder, the Spring Temple Buddha in China's Henan province.{{cite news |last1=Doshi |first1=Vidhi |title=Four times as tall as the Statue of Liberty: India's new monument to its 'Iron Man' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/four-times-as-big-as-the-statue-of-liberty-indias-new-monument-to-its-iron-man/2018/10/28/c510a342-d868-11e8-9559-712cbf726d1c_story.html |access-date=8 November 2018 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=29 October 2018 |language=en}} The previous tallest statue in India was the {{convert|41|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall statue of Lord Hanuman at the Paritala Anjaneya Temple near Vijayawada in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The statue can be seen within a {{convert|7|km|abbr=on}} radius.

The monument is constructed on a river island named Sadhu Bet, {{convert|3.2|km||abbr=on}} away from and facing the Narmada Dam downstream. The statue and its surroundings occupy more than {{convert|2|ha}},{{cite web|url=http://ijream.org/papers/IJREAMV05I0149113.pdf|title=Statue of Unity or Opportunity? An Argumentative Review|publisher=International Journal for Research in Engineering Application & Management (IJREAM)|access-date=28 September 2021}} and are surrounded by a {{convert|12|km|mi|abbr=on}} long artificial lake formed by the Garudeshwar weir downstream on the Narmada river.{{cite news |last1=S Rangan |first1=Pavithra |title=Big Man, Little Folks |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/big-man-little-folks/293123 |work=Outlook |date=26 January 2015}}

The statue is divided into five zones, of which only three are accessible to the public. From its base to the level of Patel's shins is the first zone which has three levels and includes the exhibition area, mezzanine and roof. The first zone also contains a memorial garden and a museum. The second zone reaches up to Patel's thighs, while the third extends up to the viewing gallery at a height of 153 metres. The fourth zone is the maintenance area while the final zone comprises the head and shoulders of the statue.{{cite news |title=Statue of Unity: Salient features of the world's 'tallest statue' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/salient-points-about-the-statue-of-unity/article25377419.ece |access-date=9 November 2018 |work=The Hindu |date=31 October 2018 |language=en-IN}}

The museum in the first zone catalogues Patel's life and contributions. An adjoining audio-visual gallery provides a 15-minute-long presentation on Patel and also describes the tribal culture of the state. The concrete towers which form the statue's legs contain two elevators each. Each lift can carry 26 people at a time to the viewing gallery in just over 30 seconds. The gallery is located at a height of {{convert|153|m}} and can hold up to 200 people.{{cite news |title=All you need to know about Sardar Patel Statue of Unity dial 9099799555

|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/all-you-need-to-know-about-sardar-patel-statue-of-unity-1379166-2018-10-31 |access-date=7 November 2018 |work=India Today |date=31 October 2018 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Nearby top attraction at Statue of Unity] |url=https://amdavadblog.com/statue-of-unity-world-tallest-statues/ |archive-date=8 August 2019 |access-date=8 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808093705/https://amdavadblog.com/statue-of-unity-world-tallest-statues/ |url-status=dead }}

Over 128,000 tourists visited the statue in the first eleven days of its opening to the public on 1 November 2018.{{cite news |title=In 11 Days, More than 1.28 Lakh Tourists Visit Statue Of Unity |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/in-11-days-over-1-28-lakh-tourists-visit-statue-of-unity-1945761 |access-date=14 November 2018 |work=NDTV.com}} It has been included in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's '8 Wonders of SCO' list.{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/statue-of-unity-finds-place-in-8-wonders-of-sco-120011301637_1.html|title=Statue of Unity finds place in '8 Wonders of SCO'|last=ANI|date=13 January 2020|work=Business Standard =15 January 2020}} In its first year of operation, the Statue of Unity attracted {{lakh|29}} visitors and collected {{INRconvert|year=2019|82|c|mode=historical}} in ticket revenue.{{Cite web|date=10 December 2019|title=Gujarat Statue of Unity attracted 2.9 mn tourists, earned400cr in one year|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/gujarat-statue-of-unity-attracted-2-9-mn-tourists-earned-rs-82-cr-in-one-year-11575993073934.html|access-date=13 December 2020|website=mint|language=en}} By 15 March 2021, 5 million tourists visited the venue.{{Cite news|title=Gujarat: Statue of Unity crosses 50 lakh visitors-mark|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/gujarat-statue-of-unity-crosses-50-lakh-visitors-mark/articleshow/81507199.cms|access-date=15 March 2021}} It was visited by 10 million people by November 2022.{{Cite web |last=Tere |first=Tushar |date=10 November 2022 |title=Footfalls At Sou Hit 1 Crore Mark |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/footfalls-at-sou-hit-1-crore-mark/articleshow/95415498.cms |access-date=11 November 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en}} In five years since opening, the statue attracted over 15 million cumulative visitors.{{Cite web |date=30 October 2023 |title=As Statue of Unity completes five years, how tourism has changed the name and face of a sleepy village |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/statue-of-unity-five-years-tourism-village-9006276/ |access-date=31 October 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}

File:‘Statue of Unity’, on the occasion of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, at Kevadiya, in Narmada District of Gujarat on October 31, 2018 (1) (cropped).JPG|Statue of Unity, as dedicated on 31 October 2018

File:Statue from highway.jpg|Statue of Unity, as seen from the highway

File:Statue lawns.jpg|Statue of Unity, as seen across the lawns

File:Statue001.jpg|Statue of Unity, seen from the paved approach walkway

File:Statue of Unity - View from the other bank of Narmada.jpg|View from the opposite bank of the Narmada

File:Statue of Unity - Close Shot from the other bank of Narmada.jpg|Upper portion of the statue viewing gallery at a height of 130 m is also seen.

File:Statue of Unity Sign Board.jpg|Statue of Unity's signboard across the river

File:"STATUE OF UNITY"- Kevadia (Gujarat) becomes a "Land of Billion Lights" at night..webm|Statue of Unity, Kevadia at night

File:Statue of Unity in 2018.jpg|Skyline of Statue of Unity

• Shiv Smarak
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Category:2018 establishments in Gujarat

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Category:Memorials to Vallabhbhai Patel

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