About one week after hosting the G20 Summit, Pragati Maidan, Delhi is gearing up for the inauguration of its second large-scale convention and exhibition venue, the India International Convention & Expo Centre in Dwarka.
This state-of-the-art facility is projected to officially open on September 17, coinciding with the launch of the PM-Vikas (Vishwakarma) scheme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The venue is anticipated to hold its first major event in early October, focusing on the mobile industry. Spanning an impressive 5,070 square meters, roughly 70% of the size of a football field, the convention center is designed to accommodate up to 6,000 attendees. The initial phase includes two exhibition halls and a parking area with capacity for 3,000 cars. Remarkably, this project has been in development for over a decade.
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According to details available on the IICC (India International Convention & Expo Centre) website, the two halls will provide approximately 54,000 square meters of leasable space, capable of housing around 1,800 exhibition booths. Additionally, outdoor areas will be accessible for use. Notably, the venue boasts its own dedicated metro station, conveniently connecting it with the airport, as well as hotels in the nearby Aerocity and Dwarka areas.
The subsequent phase of development for the complex includes plans for constructing hotels within the premises, totaling around 3,500 rooms. Additionally, an expansion of the venue will entail the incorporation of additional halls, propelling it to become one of the largest such facilities in the country, boasting an indoor exhibition area spanning close to 3 lakh square meters. While specific details regarding the commencement of activities for this second phase are currently unavailable, the priority is expected to be on the establishment of hotels.
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Benefitting from its convenient proximity to the airport, the India International Convention & Expo Centre (IICC) is anticipated to attract numerous events, aligning with the government's initiative to position Delhi as a prominent MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) destination. Beyond the annual India International Trade Fair, several other events are projected to be scheduled in the upcoming months, with a focus on showcasing domestic products and promoting the "one-district, one-product" initiative, as reported by TOI.
Envisioned to encompass shopping and entertainment zones, the complex is poised to become a venue for hosting various events including music concerts and similar entertainment activities.
This strategic move aims to alleviate urban congestion and offer dual facilities to both exhibitors and event organizers right within the confines of Delhi. Alongside this, there exist smaller venues such as the Expo Centre in Greater Noida, which can also serve as viable alternatives for hosting events.
