It is hard to recognise Pragati Maidan these days. The Defence and Haryana Pavilions have been razed, hammers are at work at Hall No. 1 and reports say bigger changes are afoot.
Widely known for hosting country’s signature event, the India International Trade Fair, Pragati Maidan is undergoing a historical makeover. The venue is set to get an Integrated Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) spread over 123 acres, complete with 500-room hotel, large food and beverages complex, pools, moving floors and helipad, besides exhibition halls.
The IECC, a flagship project of India Trade Promotion Organisation under the commerce ministry, is likely to open with the G20 Summit in early 2019. It is expected to compete with world’s best exhibition complexes such as Crystal Palace in London, Biosphere in Montreal and Eiffel Tower in Paris.
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According to the commerce ministry, the project is envisaged to become a high-tech connection between the city, its people and the global community. The centre has been designed to ensure clarity of function and ease of circulation.
Once IECC is complete, the visitors will not have to park their cars outside as there is plan for a parking lot for 4,800 cars.