Tallest statue in the world takes shape in India Published duration 3 September 2018

image copyright AFP image caption The statue is being built as a tribute to a Hindu nationalist politician

The world's tallest statue is nearing completion in India.

It is designed to be a 182m (600ft) high tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a hero in India's independence struggle, in Gujarat state.

The Spring Temple Buddha in China is currently the world's biggest statue at 128 metres.

India's statue has cost 29.9bn rupees (£330m; $430m) and is seen as a pet project of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The "Statue of Unity", as it is known, will be inaugurated by the Indian leader on 31 October.

image copyright Reuters image caption Sardar Patel is revered by many Hindu nationalists

Mr Patel was a deputy to India's prime minister after independence in 1947.

The nationalist was known as the "Iron Man of India" after he persuaded feuding states to unite and become part of the Indian state after independence.

image copyright AFP image caption Indian nationalist politicians have used Mr Patel's legacy during election campaigns

Many Hindu nationalists feel his place in history was overlooked in favour of the Nehru dynasty, which came to dominate Indian politics.

While campaigning to becoming India's prime minister in 2013, Mr Modi said "Every Indian regrets Sardar Patel did not become the first prime minister".

Once completed, the bronze-clad statue - which was begun in 2013 - will be nearly twice as tall as New York's Statue of Liberty.

It is hoped the site will become a significant tourist attraction for the country's westernmost state.

image copyright AFP image caption The statue is in an isolated part of Gujarat state in the west of India

There will be a viewing gallery some 153m up, near the chest of the statue.

image copyright AFP image caption A viewing platform will be located over three-quarters of the way up

The statue is located some 200km (125 miles) from the state's main city, Ahmedabad.

image copyright AFP image caption Thousands of workers are constructing the statue in Gujarat

More than 2,500 workers are working to get the statue ready in time, with several hundred migrant labourers from China also contributing to the efforts.

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