Giant Ferris wheel to give bird’s-eye view of Kolkata from Howrah shore
Times of India | 8 March 2025
Kolkata: After Howrah bridge and Vidyasagar Setu, Kolkata can now look forward to a new landmark on the Hooghly riverside: a colossal Ferris wheel, much like the London Eye overlooking the Thames.
Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT), now rechristened Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, is inviting tenders for the project, anticipating participation from premier global developers. Around 4 acres — in two parcels — have been identified on the Howrah riverbanks for the Ferris wheel and the adjoining commercial hub, interconnected by a floating bridge. The commercial hub will include a banquet hall, restaurant, and diverse entertainment options.
"The Ferris wheel will be strategically positioned between Howrah bridge and Vidyasagar Setu. It will captivate onlookers because of its immense scale and grandeur. The giant wheel will be complemented by a commercial hub for visitors' entertainment. The two components will be linked via a wooden bridge floating on the river surface, offering visitors a unique experience while walking between venues," an official told TOI. The land parcels belonging to KoPT are on Howrah's Foreshore Road. The length of the floating structure connecting the two will be around 300m.
The wheel's diameter will measure at least 70 metres. KoPT has suggested the height could match that of London Eye's or stick to any permissible limit stipulated by the competent agency. "The prospective bidder shall procure approvals from all relevant authorities, including those in the environment sector, and determine structural specifications accordingly, after securing clearances from all concerned," the official said. The wheel will feature at least 30 capsules. The London Eye houses 32.
The state government had announced a similar project — Kolkata Eye — in 2011. But urban development officials couldn't provide any updated status of the project.
The London Eye ranks amongst Britain's most-visited tourist attractions. KoPT's Ferris wheel, too, is expected to draw substantial crowds and significantly contribute to the port's revenue. "There aren't many recreational destinations for residents of Kolkata and Howrah. Similar to the London Eye, which provides a panoramic city view from its 32 capsules, this installation shall address this void, enabling visitors to observe Kolkata and Howrah from atop while experiencing the riverside ambience. Matching the London Eye's gentle rotation speed (26cm per second) allowing ground-level disembarkation without stopping, this wheel, too, will be low speed.
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