Delhi To Get Rs 100 Cr PM Ekta Mall To Promote Swadeshi Products & Local Crafts

New Delhi, Mar 10 (KNN) The national capital is set to get a PM Ekta Mall, a cultural and commercial hub aimed at promoting swadeshi products, local crafts and regional cuisines from across India.

The project, proposed by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), will be developed under the Centre’s Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, which provides interest-free loans repayable over 50 years. 

The Union government has allocated Rs 5,000 crore for establishing Ekta Malls nationwide, with each state eligible for a minimum of Rs 100 crore, TOI reported.

Marketplace for Artisans and Local Products

An official said, the Delhi Ekta Mall will function as a permanent marketplace for artisans and small producers, offering them direct access to consumers and will likely be located in a high-footfall commercial or tourism area.

"The potential locations include major commercial or tourism hubs, such as Netaji Subhash Place in Pitampura, near Dilli Haat in INA, or areas around Majnu Ka Tilla, where the corporation already has administrative facilities," the official added.

The complex will feature 36 stalls representing different states and Union Territories, allowing them to showcase signature products under the ‘One District One Product initiative’.

Cultural and Tourism Hub

Apart from retail spaces, the mall will include a food court serving regional cuisines, exhibition areas, cultural performance spaces, conference facilities, public amenities, parking and open recreational areas.

Planned over a minimum area of 1,200 square metres, the complex will combine local architectural elements with modern infrastructure.

The official noted that the project is expected to boost tourism, strengthen rural artisan networks, create employment opportunities and promote the government’s ‘Make in India’ and swadeshi initiatives.

DTTDC has issued a tender to appoint a consultant to prepare the conceptual design, pre-project and detailed project reports, and assist in obtaining approvals for implementation.

(KNN Bureau)