Maharashtra govt to appoint testing firm to oversee new Shivaji statue’s construction

“We have invited proposals from eligible agencies for quality control and testing services, from concept to commissioning of the statue. The agency will prepare detailed reports of all tests and inspections. These reports will be submitted to the Public Works Department (PWD) on a regular basis, documenting the progress of the reconstruction and any issues that may need attention. If any quality-related issues are identified, the agency is responsible to recommend appropriate corrective action and work with the PWD to ensure these measures are implemented,” a PWD official said.

The firm will be provided a space within the Rajkot Fort premises for setting up a laboratory. “Once operational, the on-site laboratory will conduct daily testing of all materials used in the reconstruction, including concrete, steel, masonry etc. This will allow for immediate feedback and corrections, ensuring materials meet the required specifications,” he added.

The agency’s responsibilities will cover all aspects of quality assurance, ensuring compliance with Indian Standard (IS) codes, and providing regular feedback on the materials and methods employed during the project. This will include the testing of construction materials, monitoring the construction process, ensuring the durability of the statue and reporting on quality metrics to ensure that the work is carried out to the highest standards.

According to officials, the testing firm will conduct daily testing of construction materials and ensure they meet the specifications outlined in IS codes. The agency will also carry out regular on-site inspections and will also be responsible for performing non-destructive testing to assess the structural integrity of the materials and ensure that they are durable enough for long-term use without acquiring damage during evaluation.

The PWD official said that the firm is being appointed to ensure that there is no repeat of the statue collapse incident.

The collapse of the Shivaji statue on August 26, almost seven months after it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2023, had triggered a massive political slugfest in the state.

A joint technical committee led by the Indian Navy and comprising representatives from the Maharashtra government along with technical experts was set up to investigate the collapse of the statue. A report submitted by the committee found that factors such as a rusted structure, faulty design, poor maintenance and poor welding led to the collapse.