Unity Mall Project Stalled Amid Delay Concerns
The proposed Unity Mall on Bheemili Beach Road near Ramanaidu Studios has seen little progress months after authorities laid the foundation stone, raising concerns about delays and the possible lapse of allocated funds.
Although the project site covers five acres, only preliminary activity is visible. Workers have levelled a portion of the hill and installed a temporary perimeter fence. However, construction teams have not started structural work, and foundation activity has yet to begin.
The project, estimated at Rs 172 crore, received Rs 86 crore from the Central Government as the first instalment. Officials familiar with the development warned that the funds could lapse if the implementing agency fails to utilise them by the end of March.
A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stressed the urgency. “The allocation is time-bound. Therefore, execution delays could complicate further releases. The implementing agency must expedite the groundwork,” the official said.
Meanwhile, local stakeholders have also expressed disappointment. A representative of a city-based trade body noted, “The Unity Mall was expected to become a landmark platform for artisans and local products. Unfortunately, the absence of visible progress has been discouraging.”
The Union Government announced the Unity Mall initiative in the 2023 Budget. Under this programme, each State will establish one facility to improve marketing access for artisans and promote region-specific products. In line with this vision, authorities sanctioned Andhra Pradesh’s Unity Mall for Visakhapatnam.
According to the approved plan, the mall will house 36 retail outlets, along with food courts and exhibition spaces. Additionally, designers have proposed a Ground-plus-four-floor structure with a built-up area of approximately 3.5 lakh square feet. Under the ‘One District, One Product’ concept, each district will receive a dedicated stall.
Artisans from North Andhra believe the project could significantly benefit traditional crafts. One artisan explained, “Products such as Ponduru Khadi and Etikoppaka toys require sustained exposure. A dedicated mall could substantially improve its visibility.”
Project guidelines mandate completion within 24 months of the foundation stone ceremony. However, nearly ten months have already passed without any major construction activity. Consequently, observers have called for closer monitoring and administrative intervention.
An urban development expert emphasised the need for immediate action. “There is an urgent requirement for administrative focus. Appointing a dedicated officer and conducting periodic reviews could help bring the project back on track,” the expert said.
Despite the criticism, officials maintained that they are addressing procedural and technical challenges. They added that they would communicate revised timelines once they obtain pending clearances.