Replica of Eiffel Tower coming up in Puducherry

A replica of one of France's famous landmarks, Eiffel Tower, is coming up at Yanam, an enclave of erstwhile French colony Puducherry in Andhra Pradesh.

The construction of the Rs25 crore replica, which will stand 101 metre tall (a little over 330 ft) at Giriyampetta in Yanam is part of the Puducherry government's efforts to promote tourism, and strengthen its French connection.

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has sponsored the project, which is expected to be completed by October this year on the site provided by Puducherry administration.

Sources at RIL, which has taken up the project under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, said that the structure would stand amidst a lush green park and attractive landscape to attract tourists.

Two phases of the structure including the laying of pile foundation to a depth of some 57 feet had been completed.

It was claimed that around 800 tons of steel were being used for making the structure. The Hyderabad-based 'Team One India' Architectural Firm has designed the structure while the construction is being done by Nagarjuna Construction Company.

Reinforced concrete materials and anti-rust materials are also being used to prevent corrosion. Pile foundation was adopted as the soil was of loose nature.

The replica would have, among others, a two-storeyed building with a circular shaped multi-cuisine restaurant and a gallery to view the natural environs.