The Pragati Maidan Complex, Delhi was replaced by the newly constructed International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC), Delhi this year named as the ̎Bharat Mandapam ̎ was inaugurated recently by PM Narendra Modi on July 26, 2023. Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Rajnath Singh, Dr. Jitendra Singh, actor Aamir Khan and several other dignitaries were present at the inauguration ceremony of the ̎Bharat Mandapam ̎ Complex.
The conception of the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) at Pragati Maidan was due to the PM Modi’s vision of having world class infrastructure for hosting meetings, conferences and exhibitions in the country. The International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) will host the G20 Summit this year in September.
In the morning of the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi was also seen taking part in the Havan and Puja Ceremony. With members of the Cabinet and some of the construction workers who contributed for the project also took part in the morning ritual along with PM Modi. After the Havan, Prime Minister facilitated the workers and posed for a photo with them.
The official statement which was released said that, ̎the project which revamped the old and outdated facilities at Pragati Maidan, was developed as a National Project at a cost of about Rs 2700 crore. It covers a campus area of approximately 123 acres, and is equipped with multiple meetings rooms, lounges, auditoriums, an amphitheatre and a business centre making it capable of hosting a wide range of events.
The release further added, ̎Its majestic multi-purpose hall and plenary hall have a combined capacity of 7000 people, which is larger than the seating capacity of the famous Sydney Opera House in Australia. Its magnificent amphitheatre is equipped with a seating capacity of 3000 individuals and a parking for 5,500 cars. ̎
On account of high security, over 15,000 police-personnel along with SWAT teams and more than 200 police vehicles armed with high-tech gadgets and weapons were part of the arrangements during the inauguration ceremony. Senior officers said this event will serve as a rehearsal for the security arrangements for the G20 Summit, as the event will take place at the same venue.
PM Narendra Modi, addressing the mass at the newly built complex, hailed the development in the country under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said that India’s growth will be even more faster in BJP’s third term. Before his speech, Modi dedicated the new convention centre to the Nation. As a token of remembrance, during the ceremony Modi released a coin and stamp to mark India’s G20 presidency.
The IECC complex has been developed as India’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) destination. The architectural design of the massive building structure is inspired by Indian traditions and showcases India’s confidence, pride and conviction in its past while also embracing modern facilities and way of life.
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