Will Bengaluru get India's highest viewing tower? All about the 250-metre tall skydeck plan

The proposal for the skydeck in Bengakuru has been made by an Austrian company called Coop Himmelb(l)au. (Image credit: Screengrab from video posted on X by @DKShivakumar)

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday shared a sneak-peak of the proposed Skydeck project in Bengaluru. The plan, if implemented, will give India’s highest viewing tower, the minister said.
The proposal has been made by an Austrian company called Coop Himmelb(l)au, in association with World Design Organisation (WDO).

The location for the proposed mega tower is yet to be identified.

Shivakumar, who is also the Bengaluru Development Minister said he has asked state officials to check the financial viability of the project as well as identify a suitable piece of eight to ten acres of land to build the viewing tower.

The video he shared on X (formerly Twitter) created quite a buzz and post with the 2:11-minute clip propmtoing users to give mixed opinions about the giant proposal.

COOP HIMMELB(L)AU 8-10 … pic.twitter.com/s153kRzlqo

— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) October 17, 2023

The Austrian company has executed projects in Europe, USA, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and Australia.

The design of the “Skydeck” is inspired by the structure of a banyan tree with its branches, hanging roots and flowers, The Times of India reported, quoting officials from Shivakumar’s office. The tower will reportedly be divided into three parts – base, trunk and blossom.

Visitors can get a stunning view of Bengaluru from the top of the structure. Apart from the viewing deck, the proposed tower will have multiple entertainment and recreational facilities, a shopping area, restaurants, theatre and a sky garden, according to the report.

DK Shivakumar revealed the proposal for the viewing tower months after he said Bengaluru is mulling underground tunnels to solve the city’s traffic troubles. The proposed tunnel will span across the city length with inspiration from Singapore and London-based models.