Patna: Bihar has cleared the way for the construction of its first PM Unity (Ekta) Mall in Patna, with the Infrastructure Development Authority (IDA) inviting bids for the project after resolving earlier regulatory hurdles.
The mall will be built near Pani Tanki Mor on Boring Road, along Atal Path, and is expected to be completed within 18 months at an estimated cost of Rs 155.77 crore, officials said. The tender has been floated by IDA.
The foundation stone for the project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2024. However, construction was delayed after the Airports Authority of India (AAI) raised objections over the proposed height of the structure at its earlier site near Patna airport. The mall was initially planned on land belonging to the state’s industries department in the airport vicinity, but the objections prompted a shift in location.
The PM Unity Mall is a central government initiative aimed at creating a national platform for indigenous products under the One District, One Product (ODOP) programme. The scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2023–24, seeks to establish dedicated retail spaces in every state and Union Territory to promote ODOP items, Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged goods and traditional handicrafts.
The project is being implemented under Part VI of the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) framework of the Ministry of Finance. Under SASCI guidelines, states were required to submit detailed project reports, with funding allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The central government earmarked Rs 5,000 crore for the scheme, while states were asked to provide land for the malls free of cost or bear the acquisition expenses.
According to officials, the Patna Unity Mall will feature dedicated sections for every state in the country, allowing their flagship products to be displayed and sold under one roof. Products developed under the ODOP initiative will also be showcased, creating what authorities describe as a first-of-its-kind national retail space for regional goods.
State officials believe the project will not only boost local artisans and small manufacturers but also position Patna as a destination for showcasing India’s diverse craft and product traditions.
