Union Minister Nitin Gadkari performs Groundbreaking Ceremony for iconic Observatory Towers and Viewing Galleries on New Zuari Bridge in Goa

Panaji, May 23rd, 2025

Honourable Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari on Friday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a project of Observatory Towers and Viewing Galleries on the new Zuari Bridge in Goa, at an event held at Chicalim village panchayat hall, South Goa.

Addressing the gathering at the event, Shri Gadkari said, “These observatory towers will be completely financed by a private company and the government will not have to spend any money for that. However, the government of Goa will earn revenue through GST collection. These towers will generate lot of employment opportunities for the people in the region,” the minister said.

Shri Gadkari suggested that the viewing galleries which are to be built as part of the project should be designed in Goan architecture style, with audio-visual elements depicting the history of Goa including the history of the liberation of Goa.

Talking about the much anticipated Mumbai-Goa Highway, he said that the project will be completed within three-four months and that the project will slash the traveling time between Mumbai and Goa to five-six hours. The minister said that Rs 33,000 cr have been allocated to Goa so far for the highway projects which is more than the budget of Goa.

Shri Gadkari also announced a ring road from Patradevi to Bengaluru with a cost of around Rs 16,000 cr.

Shri Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, said that the developmental projects in Goa have been materialized because of the unwavering support of a strong leader like Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a visionary leader like Shri Nitin Gadkari. “It is a proud moment for Goans as the project of the iconic Observatory Towers and Viewing Galleries on New Zuari Bridge is going to start soon. Goa is witnessing magnificent development in terms of marvelous infrastructure like the Atal Setu and Zuari Bridge because of the double-engine government in the State and the Centre,” he said. The Chief Minister also thanked Shri Gadkari for the support extended by him for the infrastructural developments in Goa.

Shri Shripad Naid, Union Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy; Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, Speaker, Goa Legislative Assembly; Shri Mouvin Godinho, Minister for Transport, Government of Goa; Shri Subhash Phal Desai, Minister of Social Welfare, Government of Goa; Shri Sudin Dhavalikar, Minister for Power New and Renewable Energy Housing, Government of Goa; Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; and local MLAs along with officials from State government departments and Chicalim panchayat were present at the event.

Observatory Towers and Viewing Galleries

The project, estimated at a cost of ₹270.07 crore and to be constructed over a span of five years, will feature observatory towers inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. With a revolving restaurant and an art gallery, it is designed to serve as a global tourist attraction and is poised to become a landmark in Goa’s rich touristic landscape.

To be executed on the DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer) model, the initiative will involve zero financial burden on the government. The concessionaire will be responsible for full construction and will operate the facility for a concession period of 50 years. Strategically placed between pylons on two pile cap foundations, each tower will rise to a height of 125 meters, featuring shaft dimensions of 8.50 meters by 5.50 meters.

The upper levels will house 2 expansive floors with minimum dimensions of 22.50 meters by 17.80 meters, equipped with capsule lifts for panoramic ascents. Complemented by viewing galleries, cafeterias, and state-of-the-art tourist amenities, the towers will offer a holistic experience. A dedicated walkway bridge of 7.50 meters of carriage width will be constructed on either side in the marine portion, allowing seamless tourist access. Parking facilities will be provisioned on both ends of the bridge, ensuring convenience for visitors.

The project is expected to significantly catalyze tourism and economic activity across Goa, while also creating direct and indirect employment opportunities and enhancing India’s infrastructure-led global image. It will foster local entrepreneurship by boosting allied sectors such as hospitality, transport, and retail. Moreover, it will position Goa as a premier destination for architectural tourism and experiential travel on the international map.

PIB Panaji | NM/RB/PM

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