The ‘Mumbai Eye’, a replica of the hugely popular tourist attraction in London, the London Eye, may soon be a reality
In order to implement the Giant Observation Wheel Project, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has floated a request for proposal (RFP) to appoint a project management consultant who will help the authority carry out technical feasibility study and manage the bid process for selection of the developer.
The proposed Giant Observation Wheel planned at the Bandra Reclamation is envisaged to provide views of the city’s picturesque skyline, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, of the Arabian Sea till its horizon and of the upcoming Ambedkar’s Statue of Equality.
Once operational, the ‘Mumbai Eye’ Giant Observation Wheel is envisaged to provide a change to the city’s tourism scenario and become an icon of the city’s progress.
On Lines Of The London Eye
Mumbai has a number of tourist destinations. A city which is special in itself and a dynamic symbol of India, Mumbai, sets itself as a perfect location to host the structure of the of the Mumbai Eye — Giant Observation Wheel, envisaged on the lines of the London Eye.
At 135-metre, the London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel; a feat of design and engineering it has become the modern symbol representing the capital and a global icon. The experience showcases breathtaking 360-degree views of the capital and its famous landmarks and has been the number one visitor experience in the city for the past decade.
“Once operational, it is expected to boost tourism in Mumbai and the whole of Maharashtra. It will help to generate employment and create iconic waterfront development. The Mumbai Eye shall attract global attention and pride for the whole country,” read the RFP.
Adjacent To Bandra-Worli Sea Link
‘Mumbai Eye’ Giant Observation Wheel is proposed to be located over an area of approximately 5-6 hectares at Bandra Reclamation in Bandra West.
The site adjoins the approach road to Bandra-Worli Sea Link and the Promenade with proximity to the International Finance and Business Centre at BKC and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
The site is in proximity to the under-construction Metro Line 2B and Metro Line 3, accessible through Bandra Suburban Train Station and is connected by road to the city extents by the Bandra Worli Sea Link and the Western Express Highway.
Earlier in 202O, the Uddhav Thackeray-led state government had revived its 13-year-old plan to construct the Mumbai Eye as a major tourist attraction. Following this, the MMRDA had floated a tender for expression of interest (EOI) in which 23 bidders across the globe had expressed interest.
However, the bidders raised concerns over the proposed site for development. The agency has now decided to appoint a consultant before appointment of a contractor for the project work, said an MMRDA official.
It was in 2006, when the then Shiv-Sena led Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), for the first time, made budgetary provisions for the construction of a 630-foot Mumbai Eye. But the plan was shelved by the BMC, which was facing financial constraints at the time.
In 2011, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation revived the plan and proposed to construct it on public-private-partnership model. This, too, failed to take off.