SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday reviewed the progress of the proposed PM Ekta Malls in Jammu and Srinagar, with Letters of Award for both projects expected by the third week of November.
The projects, being undertaken by the Industries and Commerce Department through the Public Works Department (PWD), are intended to showcase the region’s handicrafts, handlooms, indigenous products and cultural heritage while expanding market access for local artisans, entrepreneurs and producers.
During the review meeting, Dulloo emphasised that the malls would help strengthen market linkages for local products, particularly those covered under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative and those with Geographical Indication (GI) tags.
He said the facilities were expected to support tourism promotion, enterprise development and sustainable livelihoods by connecting local producers with wider domestic and international markets.
According to officials, the Jammu Ekta Mall is proposed to be constructed over 24 kanals at the Rail Head Complex. The facility will have two basement levels, a ground floor and three upper floors, with approximately 2.14 lakh square feet of floor space.
The project has received administrative approval of ₹125 crore. Its proposed facilities include retail outlets, workspaces, a craft museum or art gallery, exhibition and trade facilitation spaces, a food court and family amenities.
The Srinagar Ekta Mall is proposed at the Kashmir Haat Complex on the Jehangir Chowk-Batmaloo Road, covering 15 kanals. The six-level facility, comprising a basement, ground floor and four upper floors, will have approximately 1.81 lakh square feet of floor space.
The project has been approved at a cost of ₹130 crore. Planned facilities include retail shops, a craft museum, exhibition hall, trade facilitation spaces, an auditorium, an indoor amphitheatre, food and dining facilities, and guest accommodation.
The meeting was informed that the contract committee had considered both projects on October 19, with the Letters of Award expected to be issued by the third week of November 2026.
Both malls are proposed to be operated and maintained under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, with private partners to be selected through competitive bidding. The government will retain policy and strategic oversight.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Public Works Department, Industries and Commerce Department, Planning Department and other concerned departments.
