Representative Image
Bengaluru’elusive sky deck
After dropping multiple locations over flying parameters, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has finally decided to build a sky deck on land owned by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) in Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout (NPKL).
However, for over a year since the concept was conceived, the flagship project of the Deputy Chief Minister (Dy. CM) and Bengaluru Development Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, has remained elusive. The ₹500 crore project was first announced by the Dy. CM in July 2024.
In February 2024, the civic body finalised New Government Electric Factory (NGEF) land near Byappanahalli Metro Station after a month-long search. The BBMP finalised about 10 acres of land for the same. It should be noted that even before finalising NGEF land, the BBMP explored the option of establishing the structure at Mysore Sandal Soap Factory at Yeshwanthpur. In no time, the BBMP learnt that Defence, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and Airport Authority of India (AAI) would not permit the structure considering the height. The civic body, immediately cancelling the land, started to scout parcels of land at Jnanabharati, Hemmigepura, and Kommaghatta.
The BBMP in 2024 first approached the university, but the functionaries in the varsity were not receptive. A senior BBMP official, talking to BLR.POST, said, “The university was of the opinion that the sky deck would disrupt the tranquility of the campus.” The BBMP officials showed less interest at Kommaghatta as the place lacks potential to draw a crowd. After these two places were ruled out, the BBMP decided to go with Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) land at Hemmigepura. The BBMP even held talks with the government to hand over 25 acres of NICE land at zero cost.
Second airport puts spokes in the wheel
As the BBMP was preparing to set the ground to kick-start the project, the search for a second airport played a spoilsport. Dy. CM Shivakumar, who was instrumental in finalising NICE land, was simultaneously lobbying to bring a second airport to Bengaluru South. The AAI, in April 2025, inspected Chudahalli and Somanahalli along Kanakapura Road, and a third site on Nelamangala-Kunigal Road. Even before the technical team of the AAI scheduled a visit to Karnataka, the project was put on the back burner.
In November 2024, the BBMP was directed to halt the process on the possibility of bringing the airport project along Kanakapura Road. In December, the BBMP was instructed to stop any search for new land.
In March 2025, the BBMP yet again placed a request with Bangalore University (BU) to provide land for the project. In an event held at BU, Shivakumar asked the university to give 25 acres of land for the project. The university, in April, discussed the issue in its syndicate meeting. But yet again, BU shut the door.
NPKL land and mixed opinion
The BBMP has now (May 2025) finalised the BDA land for the project, specifically citing a 20 km flying radius parameter in other locations. A.S. Suryakiran said the NPKL site allottees were hoping that the second airport may come up on the site on Nelamangala-Kunigal Road, boosting real estate drastically. The NPKL is already reeling under infrastructure woes, and the BDA must fix the same first instead of looking at providing land for the sky deck.
The allottees have mixed opinions about the project. Suryakiran further said some believe that the project would increase traffic, troubling the residents. He said the choice of this location is poor as it does not offer a panoramic view of Bengaluru’s glitzy urban landscape. The land is located close to Sulehalli forest area. However, some residents are of the opinion that the project may help the NPKL on various aspects.