By IMMTeam Located in Surat, Iscon Mall opened in 2007 with ~300,000 sq ft of retail space and over 70 brands, anchored by Pantaloons, Westside, Reliance Digital, and more. It quickly became one of South Gujarat’s premier destinations for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Fast forward to 2025: a majority of the shops remain shuttered (estimates say up to 70%), and the property faces maintenance challenges. Still, the mall remains partially functional—especially Reliance Mart and a few surviving shops, plus occasional events like book fairs still draw crowds.
Iscon Mall Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Address | Opposite Rajhans Theater, Piplod, Surat 395007 |
| Opening Hours | Daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Retail Anchors | Pantaloons, Westside, Reliance Digital/Smart, Nike, Skechers, Adidas; original ~70 brands now largely closed |
| Shopping Area | ~300,000 sq ft of space; 150+ original stores, many now defunct |
| Food & Dining | Food court (~16,000 sq ft) with Village restaurant (Rajasthani theme), Kailash Parbat, Murugan Express, juice shops, Baskin Robbins |
| Entertainment / Kids | On-ground events, children’s play corners, coin games, Craft fairs and occasional book fair |
| Facilities | Parking (~356 cars, ~292 bikes), central atrium space (~18,000 sq ft), lifts/escalators, toilets, basic HVAC; travelators from parking |
| Transit Access | Accessible via buses, autos; major road corridor SG Highway; no metro |
| Nearby Area | Piplod commercial zone, VR Mall, Rahul Raj Mall, Gaurav Path corridor, ISKCON Temple nearby |
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons – What Real Users Are Saying
✅ Pros
- Legacy retail pioneers: Once the premier mall in Surat, known for its upscale brand mix, broad food court and vibrant event-area—still holds nostalgic value.
- Large Reliance Mart remains fully operational, anchoring steady footfall even as other shops vacate.
- Convenient central location & infrastructure: Opposite Rajhans Cinema, ample parking, travelators, and a sizable central atrium used for occasional events.
- Occasional fairs & community activities: Book fairs and Rajasthani theme events draw crowds occasionally, keeping the mall partly alive.
❌ Cons
- Severe decline in tenancy: Up to 70% of retail spaces remain closed, leaving upper levels dark and uninviting—Google reviewers call it a “ghost mall”.
- Poor upkeep & maintenance issues: Complaints about AC outages in upper floors, roof leaks during rains, broken escalators and dusty interiors.
- Lack of attractions or entertainment zones: No multiplex, no game zones—only token play corners; underwhelming compared to current malls like VR or South Gujarat’s newer complexes.
- Overshadowed by newer malls: VR Mall and Rahul Raj Mall siphoned away most traffic, making Iscon feel outdated and less aspirational.
In summary, Iscon Mall in Surat was once a flagship mall that set the city’s retail benchmark. Today, it survives mainly as a convenience space anchored by Reliance Mart and hosting occasional fairs. While the architecture and infrastructure remain notable, the retail vitality has largely faded. Recommended only for quick grocery runs or nostalgic visits, it’s not suitable for full shopping or leisure outings. For a vibrant experience, newer malls like VR Mall or Rahul Raj Mall offer more footfall and brand variety.