'Shivaji Maharaj Statue To Be Installed At CSMT; 12 Maratha Forts Get UNESCO Heritage Tag': CM Devendra Fadnavis

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Monday that the Union government is set to install a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the premises of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) as part of the ongoing redevelopment project at the historic railway station.

Speaking during the Question Hour, Fadnavis said, “Redevelopment of the CSMT building is underway, and a big, iconic station is being built there. As part of this plan, a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be installed at the site. There is no need for a new proposal — the Union government has already taken the decision to install the statue.”

He further revealed that the proposal to rename Mumbai Central railway station after Nana Shankar Sheth is in its final stage with the Union government. “The proposal was sent during the tenure of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and it is currently in the final phase of approval. We expect it to be accepted soon,” Fadnavis added.

The Chief Minister was responding to a question raised by UBT MLA Bhaskar Jadhav, who sought details regarding the installation of the statue and the progress on renaming Mumbai Central station.

Nana Shankar Sheth, a noted philanthropist and social reformer, played a key role in Mumbai’s early development and was instrumental in introducing India’s first railway. The move to rename the station is seen as a tribute to his contributions to the city and to the nation’s infrastructure.

Moreover, the Chief Minister also informed the House about UNESCO recently granting heritage status to 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. CM Fadnavis described the recognition as a “moment of great pride for the state and the country.”

The 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' include Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, as well as Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.

"Shivaji Maharaj revolutionized the traditional use of forts — from tools of revenue and territorial control to centers of people-oriented swarajya (self-rule). UNESCO has acknowledged this as a contribution of Outstanding Universal Value," Fadnavis said.

The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for personally selecting the nomination from among seven proposals submitted by India to UNESCO. The nomination was technically evaluated by a South Korean expert who visited the sites and reviewed their historical significance.