Construction of twin towers atop new Zuari bridge likely after monsoon ends

Panaji: At present, the environmental impact assessment (EIA) study is in progress along with the process to seek the coastal regulation zone (CRZ) clearance for the construction of the planned twin towers atop the new Zuari bridge, said Atul Joshi, vice-president (constructions) of Dilip Buildcon. He said construction is expected to begin after the monsoon, upon receiving all environmental clearances.
The Rs 297-crore towers are being planned as an international tourist attraction to rival those like the Eiffel Tower. The towers atop the new Zuari bridge have been designed to have observatories and viewing decks atop them for visitors.
They will be constructed by the contractor, Dilip Buildcon. Once ready, the contractor will operate the towers for 50 years and visitors to the observatories will be charged a fee. The cost of construction will be recovered through the entry fees.
It is still being planned whether cafes and other commercial activities can be provided on the towers.
An agreement has already been signed between the state public works department and Dilip Buildcon for the construction of the twin towers. At the stage of conception of the new Zuari bridge — also constructed by Dilip Buildcon — a provision was made to ensure that the two pylons on North and South Goa sides can carry the weight of the twin towers.
The ministry for road transport and highways has also decided to allot land to Dilip Buildcon in Verna to help the company recover the investment in the towers, sources said. Though the contractor will fund the entire project and recover the investment through fees charged to visitors to the observatories, it was felt that initially the footfall may not be enough for the contractor to recoup the investment from the towers alone.
The land is expected to be used to run another commercial project like a hotel or amusement park.