Delhi’s Pragati Maidan to get a Rs 3000cr swashbuckling upgrade to global standards

Delhi’s Pragati Maidan, which hosts an array of exhibitions like India International Trade Fair, is going to be upgraded to global standards.

The iconic exhibition ground is getting a facelift at the tune of around Rs 3,000 crore as per an ITPO blueprint.

The blueprint includes a state-of-the-art convention centre to accommodate 7,000 delegates, modern centres etc.

"This is my top priority. All the necessary approvals would be taken in maximum 3-4 months. The amount worked out is in the range of Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 crore. It will take around 3-4 years to complete the project. It will be done in two phases," said India Trade Promotion Organisation CMD L C Goyal.

As per the plan, the existing state pavilions will be developed in a manner in which they will be also used to hold public interactions.

In the first phase, the non-air condition halls would be demolished and re-constructed; later, the remaining halls will be developed.

"The idea is to make Pragati Maidan a major promotor of trade, commerce and exhibition. The proposal also include multi-level parking facilities and open space area," said Goyal.

Once upgraded, the 'Auto Expo' again, which is currently shifted at Greater Noida, will be back to Pragati Maidan again.

The plan envisages increasing the operational area from 60,000 sq mt to about 2 lakh sq mt.

The proposal will be cleared first by the ITPO board and then by the Commerce and Industry Ministry, Finance Ministry and finally it would be sent for the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs' nod, he said.