Bengaluru: The state govt’s proposed 250-metre-high skydeck is being envisioned as much more than a towering viewing structure, with govt now exploring a broader mix of tourism, entertainment, leisure and commercial attractions. But even as the project gathers fresh momentum, questions over its execution, financial structure and the eventual form of the ambitious landmark remain.The project could feature panoramic viewing decks, elevated walkways, glass-bottom viewing areas, experience centres, restaurants and cafés, retail outlets, entertainment facilities and digital immersive zones. The final mix of attractions, however, is yet to be decided and is expected to depend on the site’s development potential, market demand and financial viability.Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has now floated a tender to appoint a transaction adviser to take the project forward under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The tentative project cost has been pegged at around Rs 600 crore. The appointment of a transaction adviser is expected to provide greater clarity on how the project will actually be executed. The adviser will assess the technical, commercial and financial feasibility of the project and recommend an appropriate PPP structure, investment model and revenue-sharing mechanism, besides identifying potential revenue streams.The skydeck has been among the state govt’s ambitious plans for the city. Earlier this year, the govt identified nearly 45 acres at Bheemanakuppe-Challaghatta in Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout in western Bengaluru for the project. The site is located close to the Bengaluru-Mysuru access-controlled highway and has connectivity to Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway and Magadi Road.Before settling on the present site, the authorities had examined at least six locations for the proposed skydeck. The repeated evaluation of sites had added to uncertainty over where the structure would eventually come up, while questions also remained over the scale of investment required and the commercial model needed to sustain the project.The transaction adviser will now undertake a detailed assessment of the selected site and determine whether it can support the proposed structure and associated attractions. The study will examine road, Metro and public transport connectivity, surrounding infrastructure, expected visitor footfall, tourism potential and the visibility of the location.It will also evaluate parking requirements, utilities, land-use compatibility, visitor movement, environmental considerations and safety requirements — all crucial factors for a structure expected to attract large crowds.The adviser will study market demand, site potential and commercial opportunities before advising BDA on the project’s financial viability and implementation framework. The exercise is also expected to determine how much private investment can be mobilised and what revenue-generating facilities can be incorporated into the development.The latest vision marks a shift from the initial perception of the skydeck as simply a 250-metre observation tower. By combining viewing facilities with entertainment, hospitality, retail and immersive experiences, the govt hopes to create a destination capable of generating sustained visitor footfall and revenue.What the project may promise-Sky observation deck-Elevated walkways-Glass-bottom viewing zones, where technically feasible-Experience centres-Restaurants and cafés-Souvenir and shopping outlets-Recreational and entertainment facilities-Immersive and interactive experiences-Exhibition and event spaces
