Mumbai

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday unveiled the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Navi Mumbai international airport, marking the Shivrajyabhishek Din or the coronation day of the Maratha king.

"I am confident that every passenger arriving at or departing from this international airport will draw inspiration and energy from Maharaj's image, statue and memorial," Fadnavis said.

The 20-foot bronze equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been installed at the airport, which became operational last December.

Calling the Coronation Day a sacred occasion, the chief minister said it marked the global acceptance of Hindvi Swarajya.

The chief minister said he had earlier suggested the installation of the statue at the airport because it is located in Raigad district, which houses Raigad Fort, the capital of the Swarajya.

He expressed satisfaction that the monument was completed within eight months and congratulated Adani Airport Holdings Ltd and CIDCO for executing the project.

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On the demand to name the Navi Mumbai International Airport after late peasant leader D.B. Patil, Fadnavis said the state government had completed all necessary procedures and was pursuing the matter with the Centre.

"We have completed the required process. Follow-up with the Central Government is underway, and we will ensure that the naming is carried out," he said.