The Skydeck project is gaining momentum as BDA begins preparatory work

A one-of-a-kind project in the country, the skydeck received Cabinet approval in August 2024 when Siddaramaiah was the Chief Minister and Mr. Shivakumar was his deputy. The project was estimated to cost up to ₹500 crore.

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has completed the plot for the 250-metre high skydeck, one of Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s pet projects, and has started preparatory work for inviting proposals.

With the project picking up pace, BDA sources told The Hindu that the value of the corner sites in Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout (NPKL) and land around the identified project site is expected to more than double soon after the work begins. However, this could potentially be an additional financial burden for potential buyers.

After considering more than five sites and narrowing them down to two, the BDA finalized 46.25 acres of land falling under Bheemanakuppe survey numbers 104 and 75 and Challaghatta survey numbers 13, 58/3 and 49. The selected plots fall under NPKL in West Bengaluru.

P. Manivannan, BDA commissioner, said the authority is preparing to invite expression of interest (EoI) for design proposals. “We are focusing on getting more proposals and their cost prospects. Once the proposals are ready, we will assess the cost and feasibility of implementing the project through the PPP or EPC model,” he said.

Mr. Manivannan said the BDA has also hired a transaction advisor. Several aspects of the project, including land ownership, have also been clarified, he said.

According to BDA sources, about five acres of the identified plot has already been allotted. BDA is now taking steps to relocate the beneficiaries by allotting them land elsewhere.

A long walk

After the Cabinet’s approval, Bengaluru Development Minister Mr. Shivakumar was actively looking for suitable land and showed interest in three locations near Baiyappanahalli, Hemmigepura and Jnanabharathi. However, these were canceled due to feasibility issues.

Subsequently, BDA has almost completed the plot near Kommaghatta keeping in view its connectivity. However, the implementation of the project would require the acquisition of land and would present other technical problems.

Subsequently, the currently identified parcel was selected. The location offers good connectivity with the SM Krishna highway, the city’s widest stretch, which passes close to it. The road will also become part of the Bengaluru Business Corridor (BBC). Further, the location is a few kilometers away from Challaghatta metro station.

With this, the BDA has intensified the implementation of the two projects that Mr. Shivakumar was promoting. The authority has made progress on the Hebbal Short Tunnel project, while work on the BBC is also picking up speed.

Published – 02 Nov 2026 0:12 IST