Nagpur: Construction of the 158-ft Hanuman idol, which is expected to be the tallest in the country, at Koradi is at an advanced stage and plans are being drawn to invite Union home minister Amit Shah for its inauguration within three months, said state revenue minister and Nagpur’s guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Sunday. Bawankule said with its foundation being 30-foot, the grand Veer Hanuman idol will rise to the height of 188-foot, making it the tallest in the country. He made the announcement during the visit to Shri Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Temple, Koradi premises, where he reviewed the ongoing development works and assessed the progress of the massive idol at pond No 3. Officials informed him that concreting work on the reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structure was completed up to a height of 130 ft, while the remaining portion is under construction.The idol is a major component of the large-scale pilgrimage site development project underway at Koradi. So far about Rs6.47 crore has been spent on the Rs11.50 idol project which commenced in July 2023. The completion deadline was January 2025, which has been extended until May 30, 2026.Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (Mahagenco) constructed the foundation and base structure of the idol, while the overall project is being implemented by the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA). The development forms part of Phase III and IV of the temple area expansion plan, for which the state govt granted administrative approval of Rs214.94 crore.Bawankule said with its foundation being 30-foot, the grand Veer Hanuman idol, will rise to the height of 188-foot, making it the tallest in the country. “It will become a major spiritual and tourism landmark once completed,” he said. Plans are in place to enhance the site with laser projection mapping on the statue and underwater as well as peripheral lighting in the surrounding pond. A proposal of Rs 22 crore was submitted to the govt for these works.The minister also reviewed proposals for large-scale landscaping, creation of green spaces, and development of a butterfly garden in the area, for which a Rs5 crore proposal was sent to the District Planning Committee. Additionally, a museum dedicated to the life and significance of Lord Hanuman is proposed at the base of the statue to offer devotees a deeper spiritual and cultural experience.Bawankule said the temple complex is being developed into a major devotional centre, along with a hub for skill development and women empowerment. The project is expected to boost tourism and create employment opportunities for thousands of people in and around Nagpur.
