Will Gujarat Eye on the banks of Sabarmati be as magical as London Eye?

The EDF Energy London Eye, the giant Ferris wheel on the south bank of river Thames has been an iconic part of the city’s skyline since its opening in 2000.  Also called the Millenium Wheel, it is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe at 135 metres tall and is at the centre of New Year fireworks display in the city. It was also the backdrop for London 2012 Olympic Games fireworks.

Now Narendra Modi’s Gujarat is planning to recreate the London Eye magic with a viewing wheel at Sabarmati riverfront. According to the Indian media, the municipal corporation is in talks with UK’s Saloria Chartered Architects of London for installing the observational wheel.   

Last year, UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav outlined his plans to have a London Eye-like viewing wheel in Lucknow on the Gomti riverfront.

There have also been talks about installing a London Eye-like viewing wheel in Indian cities such as Bangalore and Surat too but none of the plans materialised. If Ahmedabad succeeds, then it will become the first Indian city to have a giant observational wheel.

The AMC officials are mapping out the strategy for “Gujarat Eye” including its revenue model, sponsorship plans and ticketing costs before finalising the plans, reports claimed.