PANAJI
The construction work of the iconic twin towers atop the new Zuari bridge is expected to begin after the monsoons, with National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) entrusted with the task of undertaking Rapid Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study of the project.
The PWD in 2023 had executed a Concession Agreement with Dilip Buildcon owned subsidiary -- Zuari Observatory Towers -- for construction of Rs 270 crore twin Observatory Towers and Viewing Galleries atop the bridge which was expected to be completed within three years from the time of execution of the work.
Speaking to The Goan, the vice president (constructions) Dilip Buildcon Atul Joshi said that the company has applied for various permissions with the concerned authorities like Indian Navy, Coastal Zone Management Authority for CRZ clearance, Goa State Pollution Control Board for the consent to establish, etc.
“We have roped in NIO for conducting Rapid EIA, which is required before applying for the environmental clearance for the project,” Joshi said adding ‘it will take at least three to four months to get required permissions’.
“Once the permissions are obtained, the actual execution of work will commence only after monsoons,” he said while stating that though, as per agreement, we are granted 60 months to complete, we intend to finish and throw it open for the public in three years.
In November, last year, the contractor completed the wind tunnel test on the model. Each of the twin towers will comprise four decks of which three will be accessible to the public.
“One tower will be constructed towards the north side and the other towards the south. The design is already ready and it is sent to the consultant for design proofing,” Joshi said.
Each tower is expected to be at least 110 meters high from the water level.
According to Joshi, each of the towers is set to have a capacity to accommodate more than 500 persons at a time. “We will take up the work in a phase manner. However, the project will be thrown open to the public in one go,” he said.
As per the agreement, the contractor will operate the towers for 50 years with visitors to the observatory being charged fees.
It is likely that the visitors will be provided access to the twin towers’ base through a permanent walkway and once at the base of the towers, the visitors will be transported atop through high-speed elevators.
The foundation for the project was laid on December 22, 2023 at the hands of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, who recently raised concern over delay in commencing the work.
According to the tender, it is being constructed on a DBFOT basis which means that the concessioner will raise the revenue to cover the construction cost by charging a fee for use of the towers by visitors.
