Skydeck project now shifted from Bangalore University campus to Kempegowda Layout
Bengaluru: After months of deliberations and multiple location changes, the state govt has finalised Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout (NPKL) near Kengeri in the city as the site for its ambitious 250-metre-tall skydeck, set to be South Asia's tallest observation tower.
Various sites, including Bangalore University's Jnanabharathi campus, were considered earlier for the project, aimed at transforming Bengaluru's skyline and boosting tourism under the Brand Bengaluru initiative.
However, keeping in mind the possible disturbance to academic activities at Jnanabharathi due to increased tourist footfalls, the govt finalised NPKL.
Initially, BBMP had written to the higher education minister and the Bangalore University vice-chancellor, seeking the transfer of 25 acres on the Jnanabharathi campus to construct the skydeck.
The proposal had the state govt's backing and included a revenue-sharing offer with the university. However, the plan met with resistance from academicians and environmentalists.
A senior BBMP official said, "The campus houses thousands of students. A tourist-heavy commercial project could disrupt the academic atmosphere and compromise student safety."
Amid these concerns, the govt explored other locations.
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Sites like NGEF (Benniganahalli), Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) at Yeshwanthpur, and Kommaghatta were ruled out due to height restrictions imposed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which oversees aviation safety in Bengaluru.
Subsequently, Hemmigepura near NICE Road emerged as a strong contender, especially due to its accessibility and land availability.
The skydeck was initially announced here.
But objections from the ministry of civil aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI)—which warned about potential interference with flight paths—forced the govt to backtrack.
Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar confirmed the final location this week, citing regulatory and logistical advantages.
"We've decided to build the skydeck in Kempegowda Layout on land owned by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA).
It avoids aviation-related restrictions and is expected to get Metro connectivity in the near future," the Bengaluru development minister said.
"With both Hemmigepura and Jnanabharathi no longer viable, the govt returned to the drawing board and finalised Kempegowda Layout, which not only meets the aviation clearance norms but also allows a quick acquisition of land which is already under BDA's control," added a senior BBMP official.
The skydeck idea came up after Shivakumar's visit to Edge — the famous observation deck in New York City. Since then, it has been envisioned as a cultural and economic landmark for Bengaluru. Officials say while the initial cost was pegged at Rs 250 crore, revised estimates suggest the final cost could reach Rs 500 crore. A revenue-sharing model is being planned to ensure financial sustainability, especially since the new site is fully govt-owned.
"Unlike the university land, the BDA site has no legal or academic encumbrances. This allows us to move swiftly," said the senior bureaucrat.
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