Modi Apologizes for Statue Collapse, Lays Foundation for Vadhvan Port

Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologized for the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue in Maharashtra while laying the foundation stone for the Rs 76,000 crore Vadhvan Port project. He emphasized the importance of Maharashtra's development and announced several initiatives to boost local fisheries and coastal infrastructure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed his apologies to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and those affected by the collapse of the warrior king’s statue in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. Modi, who laid the foundation stone for the Rs 76,000 crore Vadhvan Port Project in Palghar district, paid his respects to Shivaji Maharaj calling him not just a name or a king, but a deity.

Modi vowed that his government prioritizes Maharashtra's development, highlighting continuous major decisions taken over the past decade. Addressing the gathering, he also pointed to efforts to modernize coastal infrastructure and fisheries in the state, such as the National Roll Out of Vessel Communication and Support system, and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, aimed at empowering women in fish production.

He further reassured that investigations into the statue collapse would be comprehensive, involving a joint technical committee. Modi characterized the Vadhvan Port as a historic development expected to boost India's maritime connectivity, international trade, and economic growth. The project promises significant employment opportunities while maintaining environmental sustainability.