Our Aim is to Empower Goa with World-Class Tourism Infrastructure: Nitin Gadkari
Panaji : Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, today launched the construction of the twin Observatory Towers and Viewing Galleries on the new Zuari Bridge at a function organized by the Department of Public Works at the Village Panchayat Hall in Chicalim, Vasco.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Gadkari said the iconic towers will serve as a major tourist attraction—on par with the Eiffel Tower in Paris—bringing a significant boost to tourism, employment, and economic activity in the state. “This will help transform Goa into the tourist capital of India,” he remarked. The Minister expressed confidence that the project would be completed by July next year.
Shri Gadkari also highlighted several key infrastructure projects currently underway in Goa, made possible through the strong cooperation between the Union and State governments.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, present at the function, praised Shri Gadkari for consistently choosing Goa for innovative developmental initiatives. He stated that the vision for Eiffel Tower-style observatory towers reflects a commitment to boosting Goa’s tourism sector and that Shri Gadkari’s support for road expansion in the state will be remembered by Goans for generations.
Transport Minister Shri Mauvin Godinho, in his welcome address, commended the Union Minister for his immense contribution to Goa’s infrastructural development. “Tourism is our mainstay, and this iconic tower will further enhance the state’s global appeal,” he said.
Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Naik, noted that Goa is making significant progress in tourism and remains a preferred destination for travelers due to its scenic beauty, heritage, and beaches. He said the new tower project will further increase tourist interest in Goa.
The ₹270-crore project will include twin observatory towers with two upper floors housing viewing galleries, a cafeteria, and various tourist amenities. The design also includes capsule lifts, a walkway bridge on each side of the marine portion with a 7.5-meter carriage width for tourist access, and ample parking facilities on both ends of the bridge.
The event was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavde, Lok Sabha MP Shri Viriato Fernandes, MLAs Shri Viresh Borkar (St. Andre), Shri Krishna Salkar (Vasco), Shri Antonio Vaz (Cortalim), Shri Sankalp Amonkar (Mormugao), Principal Chief Engineer PWD Shri Uttam Parsekar, VMC Chairman Shri Guirish Borkar, Acting Sarpanch of Chicalim VP Smt. Aishwarya Korgaokar, and several other dignitaries.
