Goa is gearing up to offer tourists a new and breathtaking perspective of its scenic beauty with the construction of two Eiffel Tower-style observatories atop the New Zuari Bridge. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for this ambitious project on May 23, 2025. The observatories, inspired by the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, are designed to be a global tourist attraction, enhancing Goa's already vibrant tourism landscape.
The project, estimated to cost ₹270.07 crore, will be developed using the DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer) model. This approach ensures zero financial burden on the government, as the private concessionaire will handle the entire construction and operate the facility for a concession period of 50 years. Dilip Buildcon, the company that constructed the New Zuari Bridge, will also be responsible for building these towers.
Strategically located on the pylons of the New Zuari Bridge, the towers will rise to a height of 125 meters. Each tower will be built on two pile cap foundations and have shaft dimensions of 8.50 meters by 5.50 meters. The upper levels will feature two expansive floors, each measuring a minimum of 22.50 meters by 17.80 meters. Capsule lifts will provide visitors with panoramic ascents, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The observatories will include viewing galleries, cafeterias, and other modern tourist amenities, promising a holistic and memorable experience for visitors. A dedicated walkway bridge with a carriage width of 7.50 meters will be constructed on either side of the marine portion, facilitating seamless tourist access between the towers. Parking facilities will be available on both ends of the bridge for added convenience.
The New Zuari Bridge, also known as Manohar Setu, spans 640 meters over the Zuari River, connecting North and South Goa. It stands as India's second-longest cable-stayed bridge. The construction of the bridge faced delays due to the pandemic, with the first phase inaugurated in December 2022 and the second phase opening in December 2023.
The addition of the Eiffel Tower-style observatories is expected to significantly boost tourism and economic activity in Goa. The project will create direct and indirect employment opportunities in various sectors, including hospitality, transport, and retail. Furthermore, it aims to enhance India's global image through infrastructure-led tourism. The state government has also signed an agreement with Dilip Buildcon for the construction of the twin towers. The ministry for road transport and highways has also decided to allot land to Dilip Buildcon in Verna to assist the company in recovering the investment in the towers.
