After several attempts, the ambitious plan to install a life-size statue of Mahatma Gandhi on Nelson Mandela Marg has been shelved by the Delhi Public Works Department (PWD). Officials confirmed that the decision was made due to stability issues that couldn’t be resolved.
The Vision and Challenges
The proposed statue, standing 50 feet tall on a 10-foot-high foundation, was meant to be a unique highlight of the redevelopment and beautification project for the stretch of road. However, the statue’s weight of approximately 500 kg was deemed insufficient relative to its height, posing significant stability concerns. Officials had warned that strong winds could potentially dislodge or topple the statue, leading to a national embarrassment.
To address these concerns, PWD officials had directed contractors to consult with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. Despite these efforts, a viable solution to ensure the statue’s stability could not be found, leading to the project’s cancellation.
Original Plans and Completed Work
The statue, depicting Gandhi holding a stick, was designed to be similar to the one at Gyarah Murti on Sardar Patel Marg, with the head and torso created separately using reinforced fiber. The aim was to make the statue visible from a distance, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the area.
While the statue project was abandoned, the rest of the beautification work on Nelson Mandela Marg has been successfully completed. The upgrades include revamped sidewalks and footpaths, new cycle tracks, and extensive plantation work. Additionally, civil works, electrical installations such as ornamental poles and decorative lamps, and the creation of a small park with palm trees near the Vasant Kunj Mall area were also finished.
Impact and Future Prospects
The Nelson Mandela road, which connects parts of Munirka to Vasant Kunj and other areas of South Delhi, has undergone significant improvements as part of the Delhi government’s ambitious streetscaping project. A 500-meter-long stretch on the central verge and nearly a kilometer-long pavement have been revamped, contributing to the overall enhancement of the urban landscape.
Although the Gandhi statue will not be a part of this transformation, the completed beautification work has already made a positive impact on the area’s aesthetics and functionality.