Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced in the state assembly that the Union government has approved the installation of a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj within the premises of Mumbai’s iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). The memorial has been incorporated into the master plan of the station’s ambitious redevelopment project, aiming to enhance its cultural and historical significance.

Fadnavis made the announcement while responding to a question raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav. Jadhav highlighted that although the terminus bears Shivaji Maharaj’s name, it still lacked a statue honoring the Maratha warrior king’s legacy. He emphasized that the site holds immense cultural value and should feature a monument befitting its historical importance.

Clarifying the government’s position, Fadnavis stated that a fresh proposal from the state was not required, as the Union government had already taken the decision. He noted that a recent response from the Union Minister of State for Railways referred to an earlier layout plan, which did not include the statue. The current redevelopment blueprint has now formally integrated the memorial.

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The announcement comes in a politically charged environment, with parties preparing for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy is expected to feature prominently in campaign narratives, with both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi likely to leverage the issue to appeal to voters.

Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant had written to the Centre demanding the installation of the statue. The Railways had clarified in its response that the earlier proposal did not fall under its jurisdiction. The current approval resolves this long-standing demand, paving the way for a landmark addition to CSMT.

The grand statue is expected to become a significant cultural attraction at CSMT, symbolizing Mumbai’s historical heritage and honoring one of India’s most revered warrior kings. The integration of the statue into the redevelopment project underscores the state’s commitment to preserving history while modernizing the city’s infrastructure.

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