Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav on Thursday inaugurated 'Sahara Ganj', one of the largest malls of the country in Lucknow in the presence of India's tennis sensation Sania Mirza.

UP Development Council chairman Amar Singh, Sahara India Parivar chairman Subrata Roy and former Miss India Gul Panag were among the prominent personalities present at the function.

Established with the aim of bringing an international shopping, entertainment and lifestyle experience to Lucknow, Sahara Ganj boasts of 425,000 sq feet covered area and is centrally air-conditioned for an immaculate shopping experience with world-class shops and showrooms, besides a 4-screen multiplex.

The Mall has been developed by Sahara Infrastructure and Housing with an investment of Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion) and has been conceptualised by W S Astkins, a premier international construction and design firm. The interiors of the mall have been designed by leading firm Dellatechnica.

Sahara Infrastructure and Housing CEO Sushanto Roy said that they have embarked upon constructing a chain of 217 high class malls in the country.

Roy said, "Sahara Ganj is a definitive commitment to all our partners and associates and it will serve as the premium and most favoured destination for shoppers and brand owners alike."

He added that the mainstay of the mall would be a 'food court', where the people would have the option to select from a host of fast food chains, including McDonald's, Copper Chimney, Barista, Bombay Blues to Moti Mahal of Delhi and the very own Tunde Kebabi of the 'City of Nawabs.'