AP gears up for Ekta Mall project

A boost to local crafts

• The project aims to transform retail landscape, boost cultural fabric, and promote tourism
• Central govt has committed Rs 172 cr for the project, part of a larger Rs 5,000 cr initiative
• AP plans to build an international convention center near the mall, further enhancing its appeal
• Ekta Malls across India are intended to showcase local artisans, promote ODOP mission

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh government has set in motion an exercise to construct Ekta Mall with funds promised by the Centre to transform retail landscape to redefine economic and cultural fabric by identifying an area of five acres in upmarket Madhurawada area of Visakhapatnam.

The proposed site is close to the IT Special Economic Zone and big ticket projects like Adani Data Park, Conduent, Infosys and the transit offices of Heads of Departments and Directorates at Millennium Towers and the transit office of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy at the resorts rebuilt by AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) with a panoramic view of Rushikonda seafront. Bhogapuram International Airport is about 40 km from the project site.

Advisor to government on Industries, Lanka Sridhar told Bizz Buzz that the mall will be an iconic building and help promote tourism once it is ready. In all likelihood, efforts are on to launch work on the project early next year. The Centre has already committed funding an amount of Rs 172 crore.

The Centre in the Union Budget for 2023-24 introduced a revolutionary initiative that promises to redefine the nation’s economic and cultural fabric by establishing Unity Malls or PM-Ekta Mall.

A substantial budget of Rs 5,000 crore has been earmarked for funding the malls across India with a minimum incentive of Rs 100 crore to each State. Twenty eight States will get Ekta Malls at strategic locations like financial or industrial hubs, which are promised of getting a very big fallout. The idea is to enable local artisans and craftsmen to showcase their products. Of the 28 States, 13 have submitted detailed project report. Andhra Pradesh has been sanctioned in-principle Rs 172 crore for the Ekta Mall being set up in Visakhapatnam.

The malls are also tasked to promote ‘One District One Product’ mission by aggressively marketing and branding. The aim is to facilitate each area to have an USP. It will provide a big platform to sell GI products.

The State government has also plans to construct an international convention centre near the Ekta Mall with an auditorium and cafeteria. The Unity Mall will help provide good marketing for local handlooms and handicrafts produced by artisans of Ponduru, Chirala and other places.