Nitin Gadkari says stainless steel could have prevented Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse

Union Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday highlighted the importance of using rust-resistant materials in coastal construction, specifically referencing the recent collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Sindhudurg. Gadkari emphasised that using stainless steel could have prevented the statue's collapse.

Speaking at a Ficci event, Gadkari expressed frustration over previous experiences with construction materials, noting that while he had pushed for stainless steel in coastal areas, his earlier projects did not always adhere to this recommendation. He recounted an incident where iron rods were coated with powder to prevent rust, which ultimately proved ineffective.

"I have been pressing for the last three years that stainless steel should be used in the construction of bridges built close to sea. When I (as state minister) was implementing the construction of 55 flyovers in Mumbai, one person took me for a ride. He put some powder-coating on iron rods and said those were rust-proof... But there was rusting. Now I feel that in all roads within 30km from the sea, stainless steel should be used. If stainless steel had been used for the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji, it would have never collapsed," he said.


In related news, the Sindhudurg police have issued a lookout notice for sculptor Jaydeep Apte, who has been missing for over a week following the statue's collapse at Rajkot Fort in Malvan. An FIR has been filed against Apte and structural engineer Chetan Patil under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. While Patil is currently in police custody until September 5, Apte remains elusive.

Inputs from TOI