BMC to build watchtower near Girgaon Chowpatty

According to civic officials, the idea of building a watchtower was proposed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during one of his inspection visits at the chowpatty recently.

“The watchtower can be accessed directly through a skywalk that we plan to create as an extension to the new ROB. The watchtower will give citizens an unhindered view of the sea and will be equipped with all modern-day facilities,” said a civic official requesting anonymity.

The bridges department of the civic body recently demolished the 70-year-old Ambalal Patel ROB, also known as Patel Bridge, in Marine Lines. Situated a few metres away from the Girgaon Chowpatty, the Patel Bridge was in a dilapidated state. The new ROB will come up in this spot.

Officials said that the three-storey tower will have ramps for differently abled people and an elevator. It will have a sitting area along with a platform dedicated to retail outlets and a food court. The project is being designed to upgrade the existing infrastructure of the city’s beaches to garner tourist attraction. The cost of the project is still being worked out, they said.

The new ROB will be equipped with escalators and will be made of steel, officials said. The ownership of the previous bridge was with the Patel Trust, since it was privately constructed and the construction works were then funded by AJ Patel who later formed the trust.