Sky Deck finally finds a spot as DyCM inspects Kempegowda Layout

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday visited Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout, off Mysuru Road, to finalise the location for a proposed 250-metre-tall Sky Deck, which aims to offer a panoramic view of the city and boost tourism.

If technically approved, the project is expected to be situated about one kilometre from the Challaghatta metro station and very close to the 10.5-km Major Arterial Road (MAR), which is nearing completion.

It is learnt that the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has about 40 acres of unallocated land in the layout. The BBMP requires approximately 25 acres for the project. "The location was found suitable for the project, but it is yet to be finalised,” a senior BBMP official said.

If the project takes off, the Sky Deck could become a popular spot for citizens, given the shortage of tourist attractions in Bengaluru. Apart from the dining and leisure experience, it may, however, not offer much in terms of scenic views — except for the surrounding residential layout and a small patch of forest in Sulikere. That said, the site is well connected to an upcoming 10-lane road linking Magadi Road, Mysuru Road, and NICE Road.

Due to the structure's proposed height, authorities did struggle to find a location that would not interfere with air traffic operations. Initially, the BBMP considered a 105-acre plot of NGEF land in Baiyappanahalli, but its proximity to the HAL Airport led to the plan being dropped.

Subsequently, the civic body shortlisted 25 acres of land owned by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) in Hemmigepura. However, this site was also dropped as the government is keen on developing a second international airport in the southern part of the city.

During Shivakumar’s visit to Kempegowda Layout, he was accompanied by Yeshwantpur MLA ST Somashekar, BBMP Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao and BDA Commissioner Major P Manivannan.