Host of Projects Lined Up for North Andhra: CM Jagan

VISHAKHAPATNAM: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday set the stone for a branch of the Inorbit Mall being developed here by the Mumbai-based Raheja Group. This will be the fifth Inorbit mall in India. Phase 1 of the mall would be ready by 2026.

Saying that this is planned as the biggest mall of its kind in south India, the Chief Minister said the complex would change the face of north Andhra.

“The project will propel the growth of Visakhapatnam. With an initial investment of Rs 600 crore, the mall would create 15,000 jobs, directly and indirectly,’’ he said.

Jagan Mohan Reddy said he has asked the president of Raheja Group, Neel C. Raheja, to develop an IT park and an international convention centre in the remaining four acres of land given to the mall by the Visakhapatnam Port Authority.

The IT Park and convention centre can provide another 3,000 jobs, the CM said.

Reminding that the foundation stones were laid for the Adani Data Centre at Bhogapuram International Airport recently, he said a host of seven star hotels would be coming up here.

The Oberoi group has started its work and Mayfair would be pitching their tent soon, he said.

“I urged the Rahejas to start five star hotels in different parts of the state including Visakhapatnam so as to accelerate growth in the region,’’ Jagan Mohan Reddy said at the event.

He thanked the Rahejas for proposing an industrial park in Hindupur in Anantapur district on an extent of 350 acres, where textile parks and IT centres would be set up, hopefully providing jobs to over 15,000 people.

“There is a sea change in our attitude. We are just a phone call away to help you in your pursuit. This is my word of comfort,’’ the Chief Minister told the Raheja representatives.

Spread across 17 acres leased from the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), Inorbit mall will have 6 lakh square feet of gross leasable area and the mall will be set up at a total investment of Rs 600 crore.

Phase I of the construction will see the opening of over 250 national and international brands, a multiplex, food court, terrace garden and family entertainment centre. These will be ready by mid-2026. Phase II will add 2.5 lakh square feet of office space by 2027 and Phase III will see the development of a 200-room 5-star hotel and banquets by 2029.