India's Tallest Hanuman Idol Construction Advances in Nagpur
Nagpur: The construction of a monumental 158-foot Hanuman idol at Koradi, which is poised to become the tallest such statue in the country, has reached an advanced stage. State Revenue Minister and Nagpur's Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced on Sunday that plans are being drawn to invite Union Home Minister Amit Shah for its inauguration within the next three months.
Engineering Marvel and Height Specifications
Bawankule detailed that with its 30-foot foundation, the grand Veer Hanuman idol will rise to a total height of 188 feet, solidifying its status as India's tallest Hanuman statue. He made this announcement during a visit to the Shri Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Temple premises in Koradi, where he reviewed ongoing development works and assessed the progress of the massive idol at pond No. 3.
Officials informed the minister that concreting work on the reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structure has been completed up to a height of 130 feet, with the remaining portion currently under construction. This marks significant progress toward the project's completion.
Project Details and Financial Overview
The idol is a central component of a large-scale pilgrimage site development project underway at Koradi. Initiated in July 2023, the project has a total estimated cost of Rs 11.50 crore. So far, approximately Rs 6.47 crore has been expended. The original completion deadline was set for January 2025, but this has been extended to May 30, 2026, to accommodate the scale and complexity of the work.
Key stakeholders in the construction include the Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (Mahagenco), which built the foundation and base structure, and the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA), which is implementing the overall project. This development forms part of Phase III and IV of the temple area expansion plan, for which the state government has granted administrative approval of Rs 214.94 crore.
Enhancements and Future Plans
Bawankule emphasized that once completed, the idol will become a major spiritual and tourism landmark. Plans are in place to enhance the site with advanced features, including laser projection mapping on the statue and underwater as well as peripheral lighting in the surrounding pond. A proposal of Rs 22 crore has been submitted to the government for these technological enhancements.
Additionally, the minister reviewed proposals for large-scale landscaping, creation of green spaces, and development of a butterfly garden in the area. A Rs 5 crore proposal for these initiatives has been sent to the District Planning Committee. To enrich the visitor experience, a museum dedicated to the life and significance of Lord Hanuman is proposed at the base of the statue, offering devotees a deeper spiritual and cultural immersion.
Broader Impact and Community Development
Bawankule highlighted that the temple complex is being developed not only as a major devotional center but also as a hub for skill development and women empowerment. The project is expected to significantly boost tourism in the region, creating employment opportunities for thousands of people in and around Nagpur. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote cultural heritage and economic growth through infrastructure development.
The construction of India's tallest Hanuman idol represents a significant milestone in religious and tourism infrastructure, with potential to attract pilgrims and tourists from across the nation, thereby fostering local economic development and spiritual enrichment.
