J&K Cabinet approves ₹255 crore for PM Ekta Malls in Srinagar and Jammu

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, Jul 22: The Jammu & Kashmir Cabinet has approved the construction of two PM Ekta (Unity) Malls in Srinagar and Jammu at an estimated cost of ₹255 crore, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on Tuesday.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by the Chief Minister, marking a major step towards promoting trade, tourism and local handicrafts in the Union Territory.

The two malls are being developed under the Government of India’s PM Ekta Mall initiative, which seeks to create dedicated platforms for showcasing One District One Product (ODOP) items, Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products, handicrafts, handlooms and tourism-related offerings from across the country as part of the “Vocal for Local” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” campaigns.

According to the details shared by the Chief Minister, the Srinagar PM Ekta Mall, estimated at ₹130 crore, will come up at Kashmir Haat, a prominent venue associated with the Valley’s handicrafts and cultural heritage.

The Jammu PM Ekta Mall will be constructed at the Rail Head Complex in Trikuta Nagar on around three acres (24 kanals) of land transferred by the Jammu Development Authority to the Industries and Commerce Department. The project is estimated to cost ₹125 crore and is expected to benefit from its proximity to the Jammu Railway Station.

Both projects have received in-principle approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, while the Public Works (R&B) Department will execute the works.

The Union Ministry of Finance has sanctioned ₹200 crore to Jammu & Kashmir under Part-II of the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) 2025-26 for the two projects. Officials said an initial instalment of ₹50 crore has already been released for each mall.

Earlier this year, Director Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir, Masrat-ul-Islam, and Director Industries and Commerce Jammu, Arun Manhas, were designated as nodal officers for the Kashmir and Jammu divisions, respectively, to coordinate implementation and liaise with central ministries.

The PM Ekta Malls are expected to provide dedicated spaces for products from across India while prominently showcasing Jammu & Kashmir’s signature offerings, including Pashmina shawls, saffron, walnuts, carpets and other GI-tagged and ODOP products.

Officials said the initiative is expected to enhance market access for artisans, weavers and entrepreneurs, strengthen tourism infrastructure and generate employment in construction, retail and allied sectors. The malls are also envisioned as cultural and commercial landmarks reflecting the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”.

The Cabinet’s approval of the Unity Malls was announced alongside other decisions, including a rehabilitation package for shopkeepers affected by a fire incident in Nai Basti, Satwari, Jammu.

Part of a nationwide initiative with an outlay of around ₹5,000 crore, the PM Ekta Mall scheme is being implemented across several states and Union Territories. In Jammu & Kashmir, the project is expected to complement ongoing efforts to revive handicrafts exports and further strengthen the Union Territory’s economic and tourism sectors.

Construction of the two malls is expected to commence following the Cabinet approval and release of funds, with officials expressing confidence that the facilities will emerge as major commercial landmarks in Srinagar and Jammu.