Messi statue in Mumbai to be relocated over safety concerns
The 70-foot bronze sculpture of Lionel Messi in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex will be relocated after engineers warned of instability. Officials confirm the move within weeks as structural reviews commence.
The 70-foot bronze statue of Lionel Messi in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex is set to be relocated after structural engineers raised concerns over its stability in high winds. City officials confirmed the decision Tuesday, stating the move will begin within weeks as engineers conduct further assessments on the sculpture’s foundation.
Mumbai’s civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), initially approved the statue’s installation in 2022, but recent inspections revealed vibrations during strong gusts, prompting immediate action. The sculpture, costing ₹12 crore (£1.1 million), was unveiled in January 2024 by the Mumbai Cricket Association to honor Messi’s contributions to the sport.
Key Points
- ⚠️ Statue’s swaying detected during recent wind assessments
- 🏛️ BMC approved relocation within weeks after engineering review
- 💰 ₹12 crore funded by Mumbai Cricket Association
Engineers from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) were enlisted to evaluate the statue’s structural integrity, finding that its 30-foot deep foundation was insufficient for a structure of this height in Mumbai’s monsoon-prone climate. “The oscillations exceeded safe thresholds during wind speeds over 40 km/h,” said a senior IIT-B structural engineer who requested anonymity.
| Aspect | Current Status | Action Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Depth | 30 feet | To be reinforced to 50 feet |
| Location | Bandra Kurla Complex | New site under review in Worli |
| Timeline | Installed January 2024 | Relocation by end of October |
The relocation will cost an estimated ₹80 lakh (£75,000), with the BMC covering 60% and the Mumbai Cricket Association funding the rest. A temporary support system will be installed during the move to prevent damage. “We’re prioritizing safety while minimizing disruption to the public,” said a BMC spokesperson.
📋 By The Numbers
- 40 km/h — Wind speed threshold where oscillations became unsafe
- ₹80 lakh — Estimated cost of relocation
- 50 feet — Proposed new foundation depth
Local residents near the statue’s current location have expressed mixed reactions. Business owner Priya Desai, who runs a café 200 meters away, called the decision “prudent,” while some Messi fans argued the statue should remain as a local landmark. “It’s a symbol of inspiration,” said 19-year-old fan Arjun Patel. “But if it’s unsafe, we’d rather have it back safely.”
💡 Pro Tip
For large public sculptures, engineers recommend foundation depths of at least 1.5 times the statue’s height in coastal or high-wind regions to prevent instability.
The BMC has not yet finalized the new site but is considering Worli’s Carter Road, a high-traffic area with fewer overhead obstructions. The relocation team will use hydraulic lifts and a crane to ensure precision, with the statue expected to be removed in a single 12-hour operation. “We’re treating this like a precision surgery,” said the project’s lead engineer.
- Assessment — Engineers confirmed vibrations exceeded safety limits during wind tests
- Approval — BMC and Mumbai Cricket Association signed off on relocation plan
- Execution — Relocation to commence within two weeks, weather permitting
The incident has reignited debates in India about the oversight of public art installations, particularly those tied to celebrity endorsements. Critics argue that Mumbai’s civic infrastructure often prioritizes aesthetics over structural feasibility. “This isn’t the first time a landmark has faced issues,” said urban planner Meera Kapoor. “But it’s a wake-up call for stricter pre-installation vetting.”