Panchdeep Minar, Taller Than Qutab Minar a New Landmark Redefining Skyline and Tourism
TRAVEL
Imagine standing 120 meters above the bustling city of Howrah, gazing out over Kolkata’s iconic skyline, the distant Salt Lake, and even the planes taking off from Kolkata airport. This isn’t a dream—it’s the promise of Panchdeep Minar, India’s tallest observatory tower, currently rising in Howrah’s Belilious Park. Set to open soon, this architectural marvel is not just a structure but a bold statement of Howrah’s ambition to step out of Kolkata’s shadow and claim its place on India’s tourism map. Let’s dive into what makes Panchdeep Minar a game-changer for the region and why it’s generating so much buzz.
A Towering Feat of Engineering
Panchdeep Minar stands at an impressive 120 meters, making it 38 meters taller than Delhi’s historic Qutub Minar (72.5 meters). It also dwarfs other regional landmarks, being more than double the height of the Biswa Bangla Gate in New Town (55 meters) and significantly taller than the Shahid Minar at Howrah Maidan (48 meters). Designed by the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) Shibpur, the tower is a testament to modern engineering. Its foundation plunges 35 meters deep with 169 pilings, ensuring earthquake resistance, and it uses 1,400 tonnes of steel. The base spans 40 meters in diameter, narrowing to 12 meters at the shaft, before widening to 22 meters at the top deck—a design that balances stability and aesthetics.
The tower features two high-speed elevators, each capable of carrying 15 people at 3 meters per second, ensuring quick access to its various levels. A spiral staircase is also included for emergencies, addressing safety concerns that have been raised by some locals, especially given past incidents in Belilious Park. This towering structure isn’t just about height—it’s about creating an experience that’s both thrilling and secure.
A Multi-Level Experience
Panchdeep Minar is designed to offer something for everyone. At 112 meters, the main observatory deck spans 200 square meters and can accommodate 200 visitors at a time. Equipped with four high-powered telescopes offering a 20-kilometer range, this deck promises breathtaking views of Kolkata, New Town, Salt Lake, Kolkata airport, and parts of Hooghly and Howrah. Whether you’re a tourist snapping photos or a local rediscovering your city, this vantage point will offer a perspective like no other.
Below the observatory, at 104 meters, a 150-seater revolving restaurant offers a unique dining experience with panoramic views. Imagine savoring a meal while the cityscape slowly rotates around you—an experience that could rival some of the world’s most iconic observation towers. At 108 meters, a banquet hall of the same size provides a venue for events, adding a touch of luxury to the tower’s offerings. Additional decks at 50 meters and 25 meters offer more viewing opportunities, ensuring there’s plenty of space for visitors to explore.
The Vision Behind the Tower
The project, spearheaded by Panchdeep Constructions under Ram Ratan Chowdhary, is a public-private partnership (PPP) with the Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC). Chowdhary, a Howrah native with a deep connection to the city, has expressed his desire to make the tower accessible to all, even those with modest incomes. “I’ve always wanted to build a tower accessible to the general public,” he shared in an interview with The Wall in August 2024. His vision is to create a landmark that not only elevates Howrah’s status but also brings people together to celebrate its heritage and potential.
HMC’s Sujay Chakraborty and local MLA Arup Roy have echoed this sentiment, with Roy noting that the tower will be “an extraordinary landmark and an entertainment center for Howrah and Bengal, attracting not only national but also international tourists.” The foundation stone was laid in 2015, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offering her support, but the project has faced delays, with earlier timelines projecting completion by 2017 or 2021. Despite these setbacks, the tower is now nearing completion, with a potential opening in mid-2025.
Revitalizing Belilious Park
Panchdeep Minar isn’t just a standalone structure—it’s part of a broader effort to revive Belilious Park, a 25-acre amusement park that has struggled since its 2005 inauguration. Once an abandoned plot littered with garbage, the park was transformed into a recreational hub with rides, a water park, a lake, and a mini-auditorium. However, it never gained traction, with low footfall leading to the closure of a Big Bazaar outlet within its premises. The park has also been marred by tragic incidents, including a 2016 accident on the ‘Hang Glider’ ride that resulted in a young woman’s death, leading to legal action against Panchdeep Constructions.
The tower aims to change the park’s fortunes by drawing visitors from across the region. With its entry fee of Rs 25 and additional charges for rides and boating, the park has the potential to become a family-friendly destination once again. The tower’s panoramic views and modern amenities could be the catalyst Belilious Park needs to reclaim its status as Howrah’s premier recreational space.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite the excitement, Panchdeep Minar has faced its share of skepticism. Local residents on platforms like Reddit have questioned its purpose, with some calling it a “stupid ass project with no reason to exist” and a “total waste of money and resources.” Concerns about safety have also surfaced, with reports of a visible tilt in the structure prompting doubts about its stability. Past incidents in Belilious Park, including drownings and equipment failures, have left a lingering unease among locals, who describe the area as having an “eerie atmosphere” and high pollution levels.
The project’s timeline has also been a point of contention. Initially slated for completion within two years of its 2015 groundbreaking, the tower has taken a decade to near completion, with some residents doubting it will open before upcoming elections. These delays, combined with the park’s troubled history, have fueled skepticism about whether Panchdeep Minar can deliver on its promises.
A New Chapter for Howrah
If successful, Panchdeep Minar could redefine Howrah’s identity. Often overshadowed by Kolkata, Howrah has a rich heritage of its own, from the historic Howrah Station to the botanical gardens at Shibpur. The tower offers a chance to showcase this legacy while creating new opportunities for tourism and economic growth. Its strategic location near the East-West Bypass, connecting Dumurjala and Kona Expressway to Howrah Maidan, makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists.
The tower’s potential to attract international visitors could also boost local businesses, from food stalls to souvenir shops. For a city that has long been seen as an industrial “labor town,” Panchdeep Minar represents a shift toward modernity and leisure—a chance to reimagine Howrah as a destination in its own right.
Conclusion
Panchdeep Minar is more than just a tower—it’s a symbol of ambition, resilience, and the desire to dream big. Standing at 120 meters, it promises unparalleled views, unique experiences, and a fresh start for Belilious Park. While challenges remain, from safety concerns to past delays, the tower’s potential to transform Howrah is undeniable. As it prepares to open its doors, possibly as early as June or July 2025, Panchdeep Minar invites us all to look up, dream big, and see Howrah in a whole new light. Will it live up to the hype? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Howrah’s skyline—and its future—are about to change forever.