Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Sep 23: The state cabinet has approved the ambitious ‘Mangaluru Eye’ project, a unique development featuring a 200-metre-high commercial tower equipped with a 360-degree observation gallery, viewing decks, a skywalk, a lighthouse, an open terrace, a revolving restaurant, and a food court, drawing inspiration from similar models in Dubai.
The project will be developed on a five-acre plot near Kadri Park along National Highway 66. It will be executed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model at an estimated cost of Rs 350 crore. The government will contribute Rs 60 crore towards the project, which aims to promote tourism in the coastal districts and establish Mangaluru as a major hub for tourism-related activities.
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The initiative was conceived when Mulai Muhilan was the deputy commissioner, during which an initial blueprint was prepared. Legislative assembly speaker U T Khader took a special interest in the project, following which a detailed project report (DPR) was drafted and submitted to the state. After obtaining clearance from the finance department, the proposal was placed before the cabinet.
The 42-storey tower is expected to be completed within three years. The land will be leased for a period of 35 years. The project is projected to generate an annual revenue of Rs 34.21 crore for the government, besides providing employment opportunities to local residents and boosting the economy through commercial and allied activities.
The tower will offer visitors panoramic views of the city and the Arabian Sea. In addition to the observation gallery and rooftop revolving restaurant, the structure will feature a large shopping mall, entertainment facilities, and a 35-room hotel of three-star or higher category.
A vintage-style observation gallery showcasing the cultural diversity of the coastal region has also been proposed. The project primarily intends to attract tourists visiting the region for religious, educational, healthcare, and other purposes.
The designated site at Kadri previously featured a children's skating rink, while an adjacent area belongs to the horticulture department. Although much of the land is currently vacant and several government projects had been considered for the site earlier, the district administration has now officially moved ahead with the ‘Mangaluru Eye’ project.