International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) project revamps the old and outdated facilities at Pragati Maidan and has been developed as a National project. With a campus area of approximately 123 acres, the IECC complex, which is Known as Bharat Mandapam, has been developed as India’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. In terms of the covered space available for events, the IECC Complex finds its place among the top exhibition and convention complexes in the world. The newly developed IECC complex at Pragati Maidan comprises multiple state-of-the-art facilities including Convention Centre, Exhibition halls and amphitheatre etc. Notably, the renovation of the entire complex at Pragati Maidan took around four and a half years with an estimated cost of Rs 2,700 crore. ‘Bharat Mandapam’ was built at a cost of Rs 750 crore. A major attraction is a grand amphitheater at L4 that can house 3000 people, making the place perfect for large-scale conferences, meetings and exhibitions. Its entrance boasts Lord Sun with his magnificent chariot (Surya Rath) being carried by legendary seven horses (representing seven days of the week). In total, the complex has a seating capacity of approximately 14,000 people. Now this is huge.
Significance
It is a grand architectural marvel, designed to host large-scale international exhibitions, trade fairs, conventions, conferences, and other prestigious events. It is equipped with multiple meeting rooms, lounges, auditoriums, an amphitheatre and a business centre making it capable of hosting a wide range of events. Its majestic multi-purpose hall and plenary hall have a combined capacity of seven thousand people, which is larger than the seating capacity of the famous Sydney Opera House in Australia. Its magnificent Amphitheater is equipped with a seating capacity of 3,000 individuals. Notably, India will be hosting the 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit in New Delhi on September 9-10. The summit is likely to witness intense discussion and participation from the Head of States of countries like US, China, Brazil, France, Australia and Russia among others. And, Bharat Mandapam would be the venue of the G20 summit.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi dedicated to nation the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex (Bharat Mandapam) at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on July 26 . The name – Bharat Mandapam – derives its root from Lord Basaveshwara’s idea of Anubhav Mandapam, which was a pavilion for public ceremonies. The architectural design of the Convention Centre building is inspired by Indian traditions and showcases India’s confidence and conviction in its past while also embracing modern facilities and way of life. The shape of the building is derived from the Shankha (conch shell), and different walls and facades of the Convention Centre depict several elements of India’s traditional art and culture including ‘Surya Shakti’ highlighting India’s efforts in harnessing solar energy, ‘Zero to ISRO’, celebrating our achievements in space, Pancha Mahabhuta signifying the building blocks of universal foundation – Aakash (Sky), Vayu (Air), Agni (Fire), Jal (Water), Prithvi (Earth), among others. Also, various paintings and Tribal art forms from different regions of the country adorn the Convention Centre.
