Srinagar, Oct 21 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir government is expected to issue Letters of Award for two PM Ekta Mall projects worth Rs 255 crore in Srinagar and Jammu by the third week of November, with both facilities planned to provide dedicated commercial spaces for handicrafts, handlooms and other locally produced goods.

The proposed malls, approved at Rs 130 crore for Srinagar and Rs 125 crore for Jammu, will together cover 39 kanals of land and offer approximately 3.95 lakh square feet of floor space.

The details emerged during a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday to review the progress of the projects being executed by the Public Works Department for the Industries and Commerce Department.

Officials informed the meeting that the contract committee had considered both projects on October 19 and that Letters of Award were expected by the third week of November.

According to the project details, the Srinagar Ekta Mall will be constructed at the Kashmir Haat Complex on Jehangir Chowk–Batmaloo Road over 15 kanals of land.

The proposed six-level building, comprising a basement, ground floor and four upper floors, will have approximately 1.81 lakh square feet of floor space.

The Rs 130 crore project will include retail shops, a craft museum, exhibition hall, trade facilitation spaces, auditorium, indoor amphitheatre, food court, dining facilities and guest accommodation.

In Jammu, the Ekta Mall is proposed at the Rail Head Complex over 24 kanals, with an approved cost of Rs 125 crore.

The building will have two basement levels, a ground floor and three upper floors, providing approximately 2.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel14 lakh square feet of floor space.

Its proposed facilities include retail outlets, workspaces, a craft museum and art gallery, exhibition and trade facilitation areas, a food court and other public amenities.

Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Vikramjit Singh briefed the meeting about the project designs, facilities and approval status.

Officials said 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 of the facilities.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary said the malls should provide market access to local artisans, craftspeople, entrepreneurs and producers while showcasing products from Jammu and Kashmir alongside those from other states and Union Territories.

He stressed the importance of creating dedicated spaces for products under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative and those carrying Geographical Indication (GI) tags.

Dulloo said the proposed facilities could help local producers reach wider domestic and international markets and create additional opportunities linked to tourism and enterprise development.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department, Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Secretary Planning, heads of departments and other senior officials.

The government has not announced a construction completion deadline for either project. (KNS)