MP Firoziya alleges shoddy work on Rs 283-crore Unity Mall in Ujjain, writes to Khattar

Questions have been raised over the construction quality of the Unity Mall being built in Ujjain at a cost of Rs 283 crore. Allegations of corruption and the use of substandard building material have been made against the large project, which is being built with a heritage look to suit the city's culture. BJP MP Anil Firoziya has submitted a written complaint to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

Firoziya also met the Union Minister and informed him of the irregularities in construction. On the MP's complaint, Khattar has assured a high-level inquiry into the entire matter. He also assured that strict action would be taken against officials and the construction agency if they were found guilty. The mall is being built through the Ujjain Development Authority (UDA) on Hari Phatak Marg, near the Mahakaleshwar temple.

According to Firoziya, he made surprise inspections of the site two to three times in recent days. He says the quality of the material and the steel bars in use was found to be doubtful. He also says the bars are not being used in line with the prescribed engineering norms and proportions. He expressed displeasure that the quality of construction material was not being checked regularly in such a large and important project.

Firoziya alleges that local officials of the development authority were told about this several times, but there was no improvement in the way the work was done. After getting no hearing locally, he had to raise the matter directly with the Central government, he said.

Under the plan, the ground floor will have 12 large showrooms of 250 sq ft each, besides 14 more shops. The first floor will have 12 showrooms of 1,200 sq ft each for other states. Showrooms will also be built on the second floor. The third floor will have two large multiplexes, along with a millets shop and two large restaurants. The entire mall will have central air conditioning.

A large parking area will be built for visiting travellers and tourists, which will also help devotees coming to Mahakal Lok. A large park will also be developed here. There will be a special games zone for children, where they can play in a safe environment. The convention centre will host large cultural events and meetings.

The Unity Mall will offer a glimpse of the culture of 36 states of the country in one place. For this, construction is to be carried out over 36,300 sq ft on the ground floor, 36,300 sq ft on the first floor and 17,400 sq ft on the second floor. Construction of 17,400 sq ft each is also proposed on the third, fourth and fifth floors.

The mall is being built in four phases. Work began in April 2024, with a target of completion by June 2026. The deadline could not be met because of negligence and slow progress. Only about 65 per cent of the work has been completed so far. Construction is already running six months behind, and it is now expected to be completed by April 2027.