Thane: In a powerful tribute to his late mentor, Shiv Sena leader Anand Dighe, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced the construction of a 42-metre-tall statue at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maidan near Talao Pali in Thane. The statue will be part of a grand memorial named the Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Tower, commemorating Dighe’s legacy and his pivotal role in shaping the political and civic landscape of Thane.
The announcement was made during the bhoomi pujan ceremony for the clock tower renovation at Shivaji Maidan, and marks nearly three years since Eknath Shinde took over the Shiv Sena leadership in 2022.
A Visionary Tribute to a Strong Legacy
Anand Dighe, a towering figure in Thane’s political history, was known for his grassroots connection and unwavering commitment to the people. He passed away in 2001 but continues to be remembered fondly by residents across the city and the larger Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Eknath Shinde, who considers Dighe his guiding force, described the project as more than just a statue—it’s a symbol of loyalty, leadership, and local pride. The statue will stand tall at 42 metres, making it one of the tallest leader memorials in the region.
Key Project Highlights:
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Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Tower at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maidan, near Talao Pali.
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42-metre statue to honour Dighe’s contributions.
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Rs 11 crore budget approved for the statue and surrounding beautification.
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Rickshaw and taxi stands to be renovated for better accessibility.
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Footpaths to be upgraded, along with zebra crossings, lane markings, and signboards.
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Rs 4 crore allocated for surrounding infrastructure upgrades by December 2025.
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Additional revamp of Shivaji Maidan and nearby areas to cost around Rs 15 crore, to be completed by April 2026.
Focus on Urban Redevelopment
Shinde also used the occasion to promote cluster redevelopment over fragmented redevelopment projects. He emphasized that collective planning brings better infrastructure, increased civic amenities, and stronger community spaces—citing Thane’s ongoing cluster development projects as an ideal example of this vision.
“Mumbai and major metros have developed well, but equal focus must be given to areas with lesser economic strength. That’s where smart, integrated redevelopment comes in,” said Shinde.
A New Landmark for Thane
With the announcement of the Anand Dighe statue and surrounding development, Thane is set to receive a significant cultural and political landmark. It not only honours a revered leader but also aims to revitalize the city’s central zones, improve traffic flow around Thane station, and offer residents more organized, safe public spaces.
This ambitious project underscores Eknath Shinde’s commitment to preserving local heritage while driving Thane’s urban transformation.
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