Ambala’s ambitious Bank Square project picks up pace with new tendering process

With the Haryana Police Housing Corporation initiating the tendering process for the second phase of the Atal Mall and Bank Square project, the ambitious plan to shift 32 banks of Ambala under one roof and develop a modern shopping complex in Ambala Cantonment is set to gather pace.

As per information, the Haryana Police Housing Corporation has issued tenders for the second phase of the project, with a budget of Rs 64.47 crore allocated for the construction work.

Under the second phase, a four-storey building will be constructed at the rear side of the under-construction Bank Square, where showrooms will be developed. An auditorium with a seating capacity of 450 people will also be built for events and conferences. In addition, rooftop food courts are planned.

The Bank Square-cum-shopping complex is being constructed on over 3.97 acres. Under the first phase, construction of a three-storey building, costing around Rs 111 crore, is nearly complete. The complex will eventually house around 100 showrooms.

At present, branches of various banks are operating in different market areas of Ambala Cantonment. Their presence in congested lanes, along with haphazard parking by employees and customers, has been causing inconvenience to commuters. As most banks do not have dedicated parking spaces, vehicles are often parked on roads, adding to traffic congestion.

Cabinet Minister Anil Vij, who has been taking a keen interest in the project, said that the tender has been issued and efforts will be made to begin work soon after allotment to ensure timely completion.

He said the first phase of construction is almost complete. The Bank Square project aims to bring around 32 banks operating across different markets of Ambala Cantonment under one roof. Adequate parking has been planned for public convenience, including basement and ground-floor facilities for over 325 vehicles.

The Cabinet Minister further informed that in the second phase, the building will include 12 showrooms on the first floor, 17 on the second floor and 20 on the third floor.

In 2019, the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies, Haryana, granted administrative approval for the construction of Bank Square at Capital Chowk. The project began in 2020 and was initially scheduled for completion within two years at a cost of around Rs 87 crore. However, it was delayed and is now being executed in a phased manner.