B’lore may House 100-floor Tower, India’s Tallest

By Sameer Lakwan

Here’s some scintillating news that’s sure to cheer Bangaloreans as they welcome 2009. The city will soon be home to India’s tallest tower. The Karnataka government proposes to construct a 100-storeyed trade centre on the lines of New York’s erstwhile World Trade Center. Proposed locations are either the Race Course or the Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd (KSDL) land at Rajajinagar.

Conceived and promoted by large and medium industries minister Murugesh R Nirani, an industrialist himself, the project is envisaged as a public-private partnership. “Nearly 10 investors have evinced interest in partnering with the government to build this skyscraper,’’ Nirani said. Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa is said to have given consent to the idea.

Nirani said financials of this venture have not been worked out, especially revenue-sharing with the private developer.

“Very soon, an expert agency will be involved to give a feasibility report,’’ Nirani said. Project work is expected to commence by March. The tower will offer office space, observation decks, restaurants, clubs, public parks, jogging tracks, multi-level shopping and parking areas.

According to the plan, a small portion—less than six acres—of the 64-acre Race Course would be used for the tower. Race Course is being considered for two reasons:it’s in the heart of the city and also because Bangalore Turf Club has been asked to shift to the outskirts by December 2009.

Large and medium industries minister Murugesh R Nirani said, “Even if this skyscraper takes less than six acres, rest of the Race Course area will be reserved for lung space.’’ But BTC officials have no knowledge of the move.

As for KSDL—which sits on 35 acres of prime land in Rajajinagar —the logic is the same. As the company is using only a few acres, the government might move KSDL to Dobbspet, near Tumkur. In both cases, Nirani said, land ownership will remain with the government.

The project will need multiple approvals: from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to ensure it doesn’t interfere with air-traffic routes; no-objection certificates from fire force, telecom, BWSSB, Bescom and pollution control boards.

According to a senior BBMP town planning official, “Bangalore earth capacity will support a 100-storeyed tower. Availability of road width, floor area ratio and sital area are vital components for any tall towers.’’

The official further said both identified locations fulfil these norms and they will try to work out how to progress.