Delhi to Get Rs 100 Crore PM Ekta Mall to Promote Swadeshi Products and Crafts
New Delhi is poised to welcome a significant cultural and commercial landmark with the upcoming PM Ekta Mall. This flagship project, budgeted at Rs 100 crore, will serve as a dynamic platform dedicated to promoting swadeshi products, indigenous crafts, and diverse cuisines from across India.
Funding and National Initiative
The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) has proposed this ambitious venture, which will be developed under the Centre's scheme for special assistance to states for capital investment. This scheme provides interest-free loans repayable over 50 years, offering substantial financial support.
The Union government has allocated Rs 5,000 crore for the construction of Ekta Malls throughout the country, with each state eligible for a minimum financial assistance of Rs 100 crore. This national initiative underscores a concerted effort to bolster local economies and cultural heritage on a grand scale.
Strategic Location and Design
The mall in Delhi will function as a permanent marketplace, providing artisans with direct access to consumers. To ensure maximum visibility and commercial viability, it will be situated in a high-footfall area or financial hub.
"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," an official stated.
Spanning a minimum area of 1,200 square metres, the mall will be designed as a harmonious blend of local architectural elements and modern facilities, creating an inviting and functional space.
Features and Economic Impact
The mall will feature 36 stalls representing different states and Union territories, enabling them to showcase signature products under the 'one district, one product' initiative. "This concept aims at highlighting unique crafts and specialities associated with each district in India, thereby creating a national platform for local producers," the official explained.
Beyond retail spaces, the complex will include:
- A food court serving regional cuisines
- Exhibition areas for cultural displays
- Spaces for cultural performances and events
- Conference and summit facilities
- Public conveniences and parking areas
- Open spaces for recreational activities
Expected to become a hub for cultural exchange, the mall will promote India's traditional crafts and rural industries. It is projected to create employment opportunities, strengthen rural artisan networks, and boost tourism in the capital.
"It will provide artisans and small producers from across the country a platform to sell their products in Delhi, reinforcing the government's push for Make in India and swadeshi products," an official emphasized.
Implementation and Next Steps
DTTDC has already floated a tender to appoint a consultant responsible for drawing up the conceptual design, pre-project report, and project report for the mall. The consultant will also assist in securing approvals from government agencies and facilitate the implementation of the project, ensuring a smooth and efficient development process.
This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating local economies into the national mainstream, fostering economic growth while preserving and celebrating India's rich cultural diversity.
