Visakhapatnam, August 1: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy laid foundation stone for the Rs 600 crore Inorbit Mall to be built by K Raheja Group, here on Tuesday.
Addressing the gathering after participating in ground-breaking ceremony and unveiling the plaque, the Chief Minister said that the Inorbit Mall, coming up in an area of 13 acres in the allotted 17 acres, would become the jewel of Visakhapatnam.
Inorbit Mall in Hyderabad was built in an area of 7 to 8 acres, but this will come up in 12 to 13 acres, he said, adding that it would become the biggest shopping mall in South India.
It would provide direct and indirect employment to 8000 people, he said, stating that the Raheja Group will develop IT space and an international convention centre in the rest of the four acres in the second phase in which 3000 persons will get employment.
The Chief Minister said that the Raheja Group has also expressed interest to build super luxurious Raj Vilas type hospitality facilities in the city where May Fair and Oberoi Hotel groups are building 7-star hotels and resorts.
“During my last visit here, I laid foundation for Bhogapuram International airport, Adani Data centre and Mulapeta sea port in Srikakulam district. With the Inorbit Mall coming up here, the façade of North Andhra will change forever,” he said, adding it would help the city gain in more development.
He said Raheja Group has been allotted 350 acres at Hindupur in Anantapur district for setting up a textile and electronic hardware hub which will provide employment to 15000 people.
“Raheja has requested me to expedite the work on it and I promise we will work on it aggressively. You go ahead with your investments. We are here to support you in every sphere. Bear this in mind that you will find a sea-change here in attitude compared to any other state in the country,” he said, assuring that the official machinery is ready to solve the problems of industrialists with just a phone call.
He thanked the K Raheja Group Chairman Neel Raheja, COO Sravan Kumar and CEO Rajajeesh Mahajan for coming forward to set up the retail facility.
Speaking on the occasion, Neel Raheja said he was impressed with the administration and its pro-active role.
“I am touched with the actions of the Government. Last time, I attended a foundation stone laying ceremony along with the former Chief Minister Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy. I am now attending this event along with his son and the Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy,” he said, adding that the Inorbit Mall will become the Mall of India like the Mall of Emirates.
Raheja Group, which has set up Inorbit Malls in Vijayawada, Guntur and Rajahmundry, will soon set up similar malls in Nellore, Kakinada and Tirupati too, he said, adding that his group will build hotels and other landmark complexes not only in Visakhapatnam but in other places too in future.
Deputy Chief Minister (PR & and RD) B. Muthuyala Naidu, Health Minister V. Rajani, Education Minister B.Satyanarayana, IT and Industries Minister G. Amarnath, Municipal Administration Minister A. Suresh , TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy, Visakhapatnam MP MVV Satyanarayana, Raheja Group president Neel Raheja, Inorbit Malls CEO Rajaneesh Mahajan, COO G. Sravan Kumar, several MLAs, MLCs and senior officials were present.
