Project report for PM Ekta Mall ready, submitted to Centre for approval

Puducherry to have PM Ekta Mall promoting 'One District One Product' with traditional crafts from all States.

Artisans and small entrepreneurs of Puducherry will soon have a permanent place to showcase their products along with the crafts of other States, with the territorial administration actively pursuing the Centre’s proposal to have one of the PM Ekta Malls (Unity Mall), a concept to promote ‘One District One Product (ODOP)‘, in Puducherry.

After identifying five acres of land inside the premises of the defunct Anglo French Textile Mills for establishing the Ekta Mall, the Puducherry government had roped in Centre for Urbanisation, Buildings and Environment, a consultancy wing of IIT Madras, to prepare a Detailed Project Report for the project. The DPR has now been prepared and submitted to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, functioning under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry for its consideration. The project was expected to cost around ₹123 crore.

The Centre would provide a grant of ₹104 crore towards construction of the mall. The government proposes to construct a four-storeyed building to showcase and sell traditional crafts, textile products and unique products of a particular region. Besides space for artisans and entrepreneurs from the Union Territory, shops would be allocated to those from all States and other Union Territories, an official told The Hindu.

“The mall will feature a grand architectural design, thematic retail zone for ODOP products, GI-tagged items, crafts from across the country, alongside cultural and recreational facilities, such as amphitheatre, landscaped parks and food courts. Modern amenities, such as interactive kiosks, digital displays and accessible design principles, will enhance visitor experience, while reflecting Puducherry’s unique identity,” the official said.

The mall, according to another official, was aimed at creating job opportunities and attracting investments. It will showcase the rich cultural heritage of Puducherry and India, with thematic retail zones, exhibitions, and events celebrating the region’s artistic legacies and traditional crafts, he added.