Lulu Mall: Ahmedabad is set to witness a monumental transformation in its retail and entertainment landscape as the Lulu Group announces plans to build India’s largest mall in Chandkheda. The ambitious project marks a significant milestone for both the city and the country’s retail industry, promising a mix of international brands, entertainment, and dining experiences under one roof.
Historic Land Acquisition for Lulu Mall Ahmedabad
The Lulu Group has acquired land worth ₹519 crore in Chandkheda to establish this mega retail project. The purchase included payment of a stamp duty of ₹25.45 crore by Lulu International Shopping Malls Private Limited. In total, the group purchased five municipal plots – numbered 381, 382, 383, 391, and 396 – spanning 66,168 square meters.
The land falls under the 76/B TP scheme, and in the coming months, the Lulu Group is expected to begin large-scale construction work. Interestingly, the land deal was finalized and the stamp duty paid to the government on Vaghbaras Day, underscoring the cultural significance of timing in India’s business practices.
Currently, Lulu Mall Lucknow holds the title of the group’s largest mall in India, but the Ahmedabad project is set to surpass it in size and scale.
Municipal Collaboration and Land Possession
The stamp duty payment was made at the Sabarmati Sub-Registrar Office, formalizing the transaction between the Lulu Group and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). While the deal with the municipality was signed last year, possession of 55,496 square meters of land remained with AMC, and 10,672 square meters belonged to private owners. Delays were caused due to pending Draft TP approvals, but with final approval now secured, the project is ready to move forward.
AMC has allocated plots totaling 7,295 square feet to the Lulu Mall, setting the stage for a massive development that is expected to create significant employment opportunities for local residents.
Investment and Scale of Lulu Mall Ahmedabad
The Ahmedabad Lulu Mall is projected to cost approximately ₹3,000 crore. Spanning 30 lakh (3 million) square feet, the mall will host:
- Over 300 national and international brands
- 15 large multiplex screens for entertainment
- A massive food court with seating capacity for 3,000 visitors
By comparison, Lulu Mall Lucknow was built at a cost of ₹2,000 crore and spans 22 lakh (2.2 million) square feet, featuring 11 cinema screens and food courts accommodating 1,600 people. The Ahmedabad project will surpass all these benchmarks, creating one of India’s largest retail and entertainment hubs.
Gujarat’s Major Private Land Deals
Ahmedabad is witnessing a surge in large-scale land acquisitions by private groups:
- ₹510 crore – Surat, 7+ acres, 2023
- ₹450 crore – SG Highway, Sindhu Bhavan Road, 15,000 sq yards, 2024
- ₹350 crore – Gotama, 42,000 sq yards, 2023
- ₹320 crore – SP Ring Road, near Zundal-Motera, 18,000 sq yards, 2025
- ₹200 crore – Bhadraj, 13,500 sq yards (3 plots), 2023
These deals indicate a strong investor confidence in Gujarat’s real estate and commercial sectors, particularly in urban hubs like Ahmedabad.
The Legacy of Yusuff Ali: From Ahmedabad Grocery Store to Global Retail Giant
Yusuff Ali, the visionary behind Lulu Group, was born on 15 November 1955 in Nattika, Thrissur, Kerala. Coming from a middle-class Muslim family, Yusuff Ali’s father ran a small grocery store in Ahmedabad. During his school years, Yusuff lived with his uncle in the city and assisted his father in business operations.
Initially aspiring to become a lawyer, he chose to pursue business, inspired by his family’s entrepreneurial background. At the age of 15–16, he returned to Gujarat to help his father and later completed a diploma in business administration.
Evolution of Lulu Group
Lulu Group began its journey in the early 1990s when Yusuff Ali started departmental stores and supermarkets in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In 1995, the first Lulu Supermarket in Abu Dhabi and Lulu Hypermarket in Dubai were launched, eventually expanding across the Gulf countries.
In 2000, Lulu Group International was officially founded as a multinational retail company operating hypermarkets and shopping malls across India, the Middle East, and other regions. The group now operates 215 outlets across Gulf countries, including 13 shopping malls, making it Asia’s largest retail chain in the region.
Lulu Group has diversified into hypermarkets, shopping malls, manufacturing goods trading, hospitality, and real estate, establishing a strong international presence. Yusuff Ali, with a net worth of approximately USD 4.7 billion (₹37,500 crore), is ranked among the 38th richest Indians and has received the Padma Shri in 2008 and Abu Dhabi’s highest civilian award in 2021.
Meaning Behind the Name ‘Lulu’
The word ‘Lulu’ is derived from Arabic, meaning ‘pearl’. Yusuff Ali chose this name to signify the value, prestige, and widespread appeal of his business, aiming to create a recognizable and trusted brand across the Middle East and India.
Facilities at Lulu Mall Ahmedabad
The Ahmedabad project is designed as a mega retail and entertainment destination:
- Retail space: Over 300 global and national brands
- Entertainment: 15 multiplex cinema screens
- Dining: Food courts accommodating 3,000 visitors
- Parking: Extensive multi-level parking for thousands of vehicles
- Events and exhibitions: Spaces for exhibitions, product launches, and cultural events
This infrastructure is aimed at transforming Ahmedabad into a global shopping hub and providing residents with world-class retail, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences.
Also read: Ahmedabad Metro Timings Changed for Diwali: GMRC Announces 3-Hour Schedule Cut on Festival Day
Comparison with Lulu Mall Lucknow
The Lulu Mall in Lucknow, currently the largest Lulu Mall in India, cost ₹2,000 crore and spans 22 lakh square feet. It houses more than 300 brands, an 11-screen cinema complex, 15 restaurants, and outdoor food courts. The food court accommodates 1,600 visitors, and the mall can handle 50,000 shoppers daily with parking for 3,000 vehicles.
Ahmedabad’s new mall will exceed these figures in both scale and investment, making it a record-breaking retail destination in India.
Economic Impact and Employment Opportunities
The development of Lulu Mall in Ahmedabad is expected to generate thousands of jobs in retail, hospitality, management, and services. Local suppliers, transporters, and allied businesses will also benefit, boosting Ahmedabad’s economy significantly.
The project is anticipated to attract tourists, increase footfall in nearby areas, and create a ripple effect on Gujarat’s retail and real estate sectors.
Also read: Relief Package of Rs 947 Crore Announced for Farmers Hit by Heavy Rains in Gujarat
Conclusion: India’s Retail Future Shaped by Lulu Group
With the construction of India’s largest Lulu Mall in Ahmedabad, the city is poised to become a major retail and entertainment hub in the country. This mega project exemplifies the vision, investment, and global standards of Lulu Group, led by Yusuff Ali, a visionary who turned his family’s small grocery business into a multinational retail empire.
From humble beginnings in Ahmedabad to the global stage, the Lulu Group continues to redefine shopping experiences in India, providing world-class infrastructure, international brands, and unprecedented employment opportunities. The Ahmedabad mall is not just a shopping destination; it’s a symbol of India’s retail growth, urban development, and entrepreneurial spirit.
