Bhoomi Pujan for Rangirkhari Rotary Redevelopment on 29 Dec, New Netaji Statue Installation Planned with ₹60-70 Lakh Budget

Preparations for the reconstruction and installation of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose statue at Rangirkhari are in full swing, with the work slated for completion by 23 January 2025. The Bhoomi Pujan (foundation ceremony) is scheduled for Sunday, 29 December, marking a significant step in the project. The new statue is being sculpted by Arun Yogiraj, renowned for sculpting idol of Lord Ram and also the Netaji Statue at India Gate canopy.

MLA Dipayan Chakraborty, convener of the Silchar Netaji Statue Nabanirman o Sthapana Committee, announced during a press briefing on Friday at Gandhi Bhawan that the existing statue will be temporarily relocated to Gandhi Park. The auspicious time for the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony has been set between 12:03 PM and 2:55 PM on Sunday, December 29, 2024.

Highlighting the grandeur of the new installation, MLA Chakraborty stated, “The pedestal will be 9.5 feet high, with the statue itself standing 10 feet tall. Renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj, known for his work on the Netaji statue at India Gate and the Ram Mandir idols, is leading the design.”

Regarding the budget, he added, “Arun Yogiraj is not working on this as a commercial project but rather bigger goals and dedicating his work to Netaji. His expectation is limited to ₹10-12 lakhs, covering taxes and transportation. However, the construction of the rotary is budgeted at ₹30-32 lakhs, while the total project, including beautification of the surrounding area, drain on three sides and others is estimated to cost ₹60-70 lakhs.” The plans include chequered tiles, modern lighting, and improved pathways around the statue at the Rangirkhari junction.

Rudra Narayan Gupta, the committee’s treasurer, invited public participation, stating, “We are making every effort to inaugurate the statue on 23 January, the birth anniversary of Netaji. We hope to create an atmosphere of patriotism and have Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma as the chief guest.”

Co-convener Uttam Kumar Saha confirmed that preparations for the statue installation are nearing completion. The event was attended by several committee members, including Nihar Ranjan Paul, Debajyoti Swami, Shantanu Roy, and others.

The committee urged Silchar residents to participate in the foundation ceremony and contribute to making the statue’s inauguration a memorable event.