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The Karnataka government has estimated the cost of the Skydeck project to be around Rs 500 crore. The structure has been envisioned as a major tourist attraction, offering panoramic views.
Once operational, the Skydeck is expected to generate footfall, employment and business activity. (Symbolic picture of Bengaluru)
After months of uncertainty and multiple site changes, Bengaluru’s proposed Skydeck observation tower may finally be headed to West Bengaluru. Government officials are now considering a large parcel of land in the Challaghatta-Bheemankuppe area as the most viable location for the long-delayed project, which aims to build a landmark viewing tower for the city.
The proposed skydeck, which is planned to be about 250 meters high, has been in discussion for over a year but has faced difficulty in taking off due to land, security and clearance challenges at already selected sites.
Site Inspection at Kempegowda Layout
The latest location under consideration is within Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout, an area developed by the Bangalore Development Authority in West Bengaluru. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who has been closely associated with the project, recently visited the site along with senior officials to assess its feasibility.
Officials said the land parcel is spread over about 46 acres and is owned by the development authority, which significantly reduces the complexities related to acquisition or ownership disputes. The site is located about 1 km from the Bengaluru-Mysore access controlled highway and about 500 meters from a major arterial road, making it directly accessible without being connected to high speed corridors.
Why is West Bengaluru emerging as the preferred choice?
A major reason for this site being preferred is the absence of aviation and security restrictions that affected earlier proposals. Many of the previously suggested locations were found to be too close to sensitive airspace or had operational concerns, which could have delayed approval.
Officials involved in the inspection indicated that the Challaghatta-Bheemankuppe location offers fewer regulatory hurdles and better long-term planning flexibility than earlier options.
A project that has spread throughout the city
The Skydeck project has seen a series of location changes since it was first announced. Initial proposals included sites at Baiyappanahalli, Hemmigepura, land owned by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited and parts of the Bangalore University campus. A 30-acre site at Kommaghatta was also assessed.
Each of these options faced obstacles ranging from opposition from local residents and educational institutions to height restrictions and concerns about air safety. In one example, land acquired by the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board for a road project could not be used after the NICE Road Authority refused to issue a no objection certificate.
Cost, approach and urban impact
The Karnataka government has estimated the cost of the Skydeck project to be around Rs 500 crore. The structure is envisioned as a major tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and serving as an important landmark for Bengaluru.
Officials believe that locating the project in West Bengaluru could also boost infrastructure development in the surrounding Kempegowda Layout, an area that has long been demanding better civic amenities and connectivity. Once operational, the Skydeck is expected to generate footfall, employment and business activity.
Part of a larger urban strategy
The Skydeck proposal reflects a broader effort by the state government to create iconic public infrastructure along with decongesting the central parts of the city. By mid-2025, the government had already indicated its intention to shift the project away from central and south-west Bengaluru to avoid security issues associated with its proximity to the Kempegowda International Airport.
Public feedback exercises and multiple feasibility reviews were conducted as officials searched for a balance between visibility, safety, accessibility and minimal disruption to the existing neighborhood.
what lies ahead
Although no final announcement has been made, officials say the latest site inspection suggests new momentum for the project. With land ownership clear and fewer legal hurdles, the Challaghatta-Bheemankuppe site could help break the impasse that has stalled the skydeck for more than a year.
If the approval goes ahead, the Bangalore Development Authority is expected to oversee implementation and coordination. For now, the proposed West Bengaluru site appears to be the strongest contender for the project that aims to redefine the city’s skyline.
January 02, 2026, 13:59 IST
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