Tiruchi’s cityscape has undergone drastic changes in recent years, indicating socio-economic growth. However, though the city is home to big brand showrooms and has an expanding luxury hotel sector, it still does not have a shopping mall.

Despite its multicultural population of travellers, professionals, and students, shopping is restricted to the commercial districts of the city.

Real estate developers said the situation may soon change as a number of new projects coming up in Tiruchi’s suburbs could spur the entry of shopping malls.

“A mall is a large business area that requires at least two acres of space. Tiruchi’s inner areas are too saturated, which is why they have not been able to accommodate a shopping mall so far. However, of late, as the urbanisation spreads out, we have seen the announcements of projects by major luxury hotel brands and information technology companies coming up in the next few years that will boost the economic potential of the city,” A. Nazurudeen, president, Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI), Tiruchi chapter, told The Hindu.

Among these is the Bharath Shopping Mall planned on the Tiruchi-Chennai Bypass, with an estimated budget of ₹140 crore, scheduled to be completed in 2029. “Historically, Tiruchi’s real estate sector has always been steady. It may appear slow when compared to other cities but the market remains stable,” said M. Noor Mohamed, director, Bharath Flat Promoters, whose company is behind the mall project.

Set in a layout of approximately 5 lakh sq. ft, the mall will include a five-screen multiplex, food court, and a department store franchise. “Our aim is to include options for customers of various age groups and economic backgrounds. We are expecting our mall to attract not just shoppers, but also to generate at least 3,000 jobs for local residents,” he added.