Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday evening laid the foundation stone for a landmark tourism project atop the new Zuari Bridge — twin observatory towers and viewing galleries, to be constructed at a cost of ₹270.07 crore. Speaking at the ceremony held at Chicalim Panchayat Hall, Gadkari described the project as a “game-changer” for Goa’s tourism sector.
He proposed that the State government organize a design competition among local architects for the observatory towers, with the winner receiving a prize of ₹1–2 lakh. “This will be the first of its kind in India, and the state will benefit through GST revenue generated from ticket sales,” said Gadkari, adding that the project will not impose any financial burden on the State.
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Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, present at the event along with other key ministers and officials, noted that Goa has witnessed unprecedented investment in road infrastructure, with ₹33,000 crore spent over the last 11 years. He also announced a proposed water taxi service from Pernem to Canacona, suggested by Gadkari, to further boost connectivity.
The Zuari Bridge observatory project will be built under the DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer) model, with the concessionaire handling construction and operations for a 50-year period. The towers, inspired by Paris’s Eiffel Tower, will each rise 125 metres between the bridge pylons and include panoramic capsule lifts, a revolving restaurant, an art gallery, viewing decks, and state-of-the-art tourist facilities.
The design also includes a 7.5-metre-wide walkway bridge on both marine sides for pedestrian access, along with parking facilities at both ends to accommodate visitors. Construction is expected to span five years.
