Skydeck project is likely to come up in west Bengaluru | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: The much-hyped skydeck project, a 250-metre high structure that would facilitate sweeping and panoramic views of the city, has got a new location: Challaghatta-Bheemanakuppe area in the western part of the tech capital. Interestingly, this is the sixth location identified ever since the idea was mooted by deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar.Officials tracking the project suggest this location would be finalised for the project. On Thursday, Shivakumar inspected the 46-acre site, situated off the Bengaluru–Mysuru access-controlled highway. The land was earlier notified by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) as part of the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout plan. Among the options evaluated earlier were 10 acres in Baiyappanahalli, 25 acres in Hemmigepura, a land parcel owned by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited, 25 acres on the Bangalore University campus, and 30 acres in Kommaghatta. The site, however, could not be finalised, as the project faced repeated setbacks due to aviation safety concerns, opposition from local residents, students and faculty, and feasibility challenges linked to geography and safety.A senior official said, “The site inspected by the DCM and senior officials is far more ideal compared to the previous options explored. The land is free of legal complications, and unlike earlier shortlisted locations, it is unlikely to face aviation safety concerns.” The BDA will implement the project once the final decision is taken on finalising the location. The land is in the possession of BDA, located 500 metres from a major arterial road and 1km from the Bengaluru–Mysuru access-controlled highway. “Compared to the other options explored in the past, this location is free of legal issues. If the state govt finalises the proposal, project implementation will also be easier, as the BDA owns the land,” the source said. Earlier in the day, after inaugurating the newly built ramp by BDA at the Hebbal Flyover junction, Shivakumar said that land earlier acquired by Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) for a NICE road project was sought for the skydeck, but NICE did not give clearance. He alleged that NICE believes it is “bigger than the govt”.“We sought an NOC from them, but they did not give it. They think they are above the govt. I know how to teach a lesson,” he said.He added that land owned by BDA will now be finalised for the construction of the 250-metre skydeck. If the skydeck is constructed in the Challaghatta area, the Rs 500-crore project is likely to boost infrastructure development in and around the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout. Thousands of site allottees for years have been demanding better civic facilities.
