Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Reviews Project Progress; Letters of Award Expected by Third Week of November
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 21 : Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday reviewed the progress of the proposed PM Unity (Ekta) Malls in Jammu and Srinagar, aimed at showcasing Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, handicrafts, handlooms and indigenous products while expanding market access for local artisans, entrepreneurs and producers.
The review meeting assessed the status of the projects being undertaken by the Department of Industries and Commerce through the Public Works Department (PWD). Senior officers, including the Additional Chief Secretary, PWD; Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Vikramjit Singh; Secretary, Planning; and heads of the concerned departments attended the meeting.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary highlighted the importance of the Ekta Malls as integrated platforms for promoting the cultural heritage and traditional products of Jammu and Kashmir alongside those of other States and Union Territories.
He emphasised that the initiative would strengthen market linkages for local artisans, craftspeople, entrepreneurs and producers, while creating opportunities for tourism promotion, enterprise development and sustainable livelihoods.
Dulloo also underscored the potential of the proposed commercial hubs to enhance the visibility of products covered under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative and those carrying Geographical Indication (GI) tags, connecting local producers with wider domestic and international markets.
Jammu Ekta Mall to Be Built at Rail Head Complex
Providing details of the Jammu project, Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Vikramjit Singh, informed the meeting that the Ekta Mall is proposed to be constructed over 24 kanals at the Rail Head Complex.
The proposed facility will comprise two basement levels, a ground floor and three upper floors, with an approximate total floor area of 2.14 lakh square feet. The project has received administrative approval of ₹125 crore.
The planned facilities include retail outlets, workspaces, public cultural facilities, a craft museum or art gallery, exhibition areas, trade facilitation spaces, a food court and amenities for families.
Srinagar Ekta Mall Planned at Kashmir Haat
The Srinagar Ekta Mall is proposed to be developed at the Kashmir Haat Complex on the Jehangir Chowk–Batmaloo Road, covering an area of 15 kanals.
The six-level facility will comprise one basement, a ground floor and four upper floors, with an approximate total floor area of 1.81 lakh square feet. The project has been approved at a cost of ₹130 crore.
Its proposed facilities include retail shops, a craft museum, an exhibition hall, trade facilitation spaces, an auditorium, an indoor amphitheatre, a food court, dining facilities and guest accommodation.
Together, the two projects represent a proposed investment of ₹255 crore.
Letters of Award Expected by November
The meeting was informed that the contract committee had considered both projects on October 19, 2026, with the Letters of Award expected to be issued by the third week of November 2026.
The Ekta Malls are proposed to be operated and maintained under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with a private partner to be selected through competitive bidding. The government will retain policy and strategic oversight of the initiative.
Once completed, the two malls are envisaged to serve as common platforms for commerce, culture and tourism, providing local producers with greater opportunities to showcase their products, expand their market reach and connect with the wider retail and cultural ecosystem across the country.(KNC)
