KTR Alleges Rs 2,059 Crore PM Ekta Mall Scam at Raidurg, Demands Probe

Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president K T Rama Rao has written a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday, alleging a massive scam in the tender process for the proposed PM Ekta Mall at Raidurg. Calling for Central intervention, Rama Rao demanded the immediate cancellation of the tender, a halt to further Central funds, and an independent probe into the entire transaction.

The proposed project in Raidurg carries an estimated cost of Rs 2,059.81 crore, excluding the value of the land, and has received about Rs 202 crore in Central assistance. The project is planned on approximately 6.3 acres of prime land and involves nearly 27 lakh square feet of built-up area.

In his letter, Rama Rao questioned the distribution of commercial space between the state government and the private developer. While the government’s minimum share is about nine lakh square feet, the private developer is entitled to a minimum of 18 lakh square feet, which is twice the government’s minimum built-up area.

The selected consortium comprises lead member Vamsiram Builders & Developers Pvt. Ltd. and partner Aparna Infrahousing Pvt. Ltd. Rama Rao noted that while the consortium offered an additional 18,000 square feet of Grade-A commercial office space over the government’s entitlement—bringing the total state share to about 9.18 lakh square feet—the developer retains at least 18 lakh square feet, along with potential extra space from permissible floor space index or future planning efficiencies.

The BRS leader also questioned the financial structure under which a Rs 200 crore interest-free loan sanctioned under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme is proposed to be routed through Telangana Trade Promotion Corporation Limited to the selected developer on a back-to-back basis. He added that the tender framework allowed past expenses on project preparation, surveys, consultancy, approvals, and site preparation to be adjusted from the funds.

Stating that public assets should not be used for private bargaining, Rama Rao demanded a comprehensive scrutiny of land valuation, project costs, tender conditions, bid evaluations, and the utilization of Central funds by agencies such as the Comptroller and Auditor General where applicable. He also requested that the detailed project report, financial model, and bid evaluation records be made public.