Exclusive: BDA finalises 40 acres at NPKL for skydeck project

Bengaluru

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has almost finalised 40–45 acres of land at Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout (NPKL) for the construction of a 250-metre-high skydeck, which is being touted as one of the tallest observation decks in Asia. The layout is located between Mysuru Road and Magadi Road.

Sources within the BDA told blrpost.com that during a review meeting on the progress of NPKL on Wednesday (December 24, 2025), BDA Commissioner Manivannan P informed officials that the land required for the ambitious skydeck project has been identified. He also directed officials to initiate preparations to take over approximately 40 acres of land from the revenue department.

According to the source, Manivannan—who has been playing an active role in accelerating projects within the BDA—has instructed the Executive Member (EM) of the authority to simultaneously begin groundwork for floating the tender for the skydeck’s construction. If the process proceeds as planned, the tendering phase could begin as early as January 2026.

Elaborating on the exact location, the source said the identified land lies between Challaghatta and Bheemanakuppe. More precisely, the skydeck is proposed to be constructed in sectors LMN and FG, covering Block 5 and Block 6 of the NPKL, respectively. While residents of the layout have welcomed the announcement, they have also expressed certain concerns. This comes under survey numbers 104 and 13. 

Suryakiran A S, a resident of NPKL, said, “we are certainly happy about this development as it puts our area on the city’s landmark map. However, there are concerns about increased traffic and roads turning into bottlenecks. The BDA Commissioner must closely supervise the planning and implementation process, especially with regard to traffic management and supporting infrastructure.”

Timeline of search for land

The 250-metre-tall skydeck, a flagship project of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, was first announced in October 2023. Since then, the project has faced multiple site rejections due to aviation safety norms and environmental concerns.

The initial proposal centred on the NGEF land in Byappanahalli, chosen for its central location and excellent Metro connectivity. However, the plan was shelved in early 2024 after the Airports Authority of India and the Ministry of Defence flagged the structure as a potential threat to flight paths and test operations at HAL Airport.

Subsequently, the government explored the Bangalore University campus at Jnanabharathi as an alternative site. This proposal, however, drew strong opposition from students, faculty, and environmental activists, who raised concerns about the disruption of the university’s biopark and academic environment. The plan was eventually dropped by April 2024.

In August 2024, the Karnataka Cabinet approved a site at Hemmigepura, off NICE Road, and earmarked approximately ₹500 crore for the project. This location, however, encountered two major roadblocks in early 2025. First, the land was owned by the NICE company, which declined the government’s proposed land-barter arrangement. Second, the site was found to lie along the potential flight corridor of the city’s proposed second international airport. As a result, the project was temporarily stalled.

The impasse was resolved in June 2025, when the government proposed a 30-acre site at Kommaghatta within the NPKL. This location was ultimately finalised as it lies beyond the 20-kilometre restricted aviation radius.