World-class MICE Hubs Now Adorn Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two mega convention centres, Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in the national capital on the eve of the G20 summit, creating state-of-the-art infrastructure for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences & exhibitions) events. India’s share in the world’s Rs 25 lakh crore MICE economy is barely a per cent at the moment, but perhaps a beginning has been made to change that. 

 The two new Delhi landmarks are additions to the city’s experiential economy infrastructure that will in the days ahead showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, as well as modern achievements to the world. They will also help the country nibble into the global conference tourism pie.

*Bharat Mandapam

Bharat Mandapam, located at Pragati Maidan, can host up to 7,000 attendees in the multi-purpose hall and plenary hall collectively. Covering an approximate campus area of 123 acres, Bharat Mandapam has been developed as India's largest MICE destination. In terms of the covered space available for events, this complex ranks among the top exhibition and convention complexes in the world. The centre showcases various art forms and crafts from across the country. 

This modern complex was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on 26 July this year and offers state-of-the-art facilities, including a convention centre, expansive exhibition halls and an impressive amphitheatre. During the G20 Summit, Bharat Mandapam, often referred to as the "culture corridor," showcased the diverse traditions of 29 countries, including India, to the special invitees to the G20.  

The Prime Minister shared images on X of the 27-feet-tall Ashtadhatu (mixed metal) statue of the Nataraja (the dancing shiva) weighing about 18 tonnes that was installed at the Bharat Mandapam. His Tweet said, “The magnificent Nataraja statue at Bharat Mandapam brings to life aspects of our rich history and culture. As the world gathers for the G20 summit, it will stand as a testament to India's age-old artistry and traditions.” Renowned sculptor Radhakrishnan Sthapaty from Swami Malai in Tamil Nadu and his team completed this sculpture in a record time of seven months. 

The Bharat Mandapam was constructed at an investment of about Rs 2,700 crores to showcase and promote “India as a premier global business destination,” according to a government statement. It is designed to host international exhibitions, trade fairs, conventions, conferences, and national and international gatherings. The venue offers a fully equipped business centre, enabling it to accommodate a wide spectrum of events. 

The shape of the building is inspired by the form of the Shankha, or conch shell, which is a sacred symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism. The elliptical design of the centre epitomises the fluidity of the river Yamuna, which flows through the city ‒ a theme that was also evident at the pavilions and the galleries during the G20 summit. It showcases various art forms and crafts from across the country, such as graceful sandstone pillars, ornamental panels inspired by traditional ‘jaalis’, richly embroidered carpets and Rajasthani style friezes on the oval core of the ceiling. The centre also features a replica of the Konark Wheel from the Sun temple at Puri, which is a 13th Century architectural marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

*Yashobhoomi 

Yashobhoomi, formerly known as India International Convention Centre (IICC), is situated at Sector 25 in Dwarka and is one of the world's largest MICE facilities. Constructed at a cost of Rs 5,400 crores, it has a total project area of over 8.9 lakh square metres and a total built-up area of more than 1.8 lakh square metres. It comprises a large convention centre with a seating capacity of around 6,000 guests, three exhibition halls with a total area of over 1.07 lakh square metres, 15 convention rooms, a grand ballroom that can host 2,500 attendees and 13 meeting rooms capable of hosting 11,000 attendees. 

More than 200 events are lined up for Yashobhoomi over the next two years, including over 100 exhibitions and over 100 conventions. The operator for managing the exhibition and convention centre for 20 years is KINTEX. The venue is equipped with a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system that enables the centre to achieve 100 per cent reuse of wastewater, rainwater harvesting facilities and rooftop solar panels. The campus has received Green Cities Platinum Certification from CII’s Indian Green Building Council. 

Conference tourism has emerged as a significant contributor to India's experiential economy. The hosting of conferences and events generates substantial revenue and employment opportunities. It also promotes exchange of knowledge, networking, and collaboration among professionals from various fields. India’s share in the Rs 25 lakh crore MICE sector is less than one per cent. India ranked 28th with 158 meetings in the 2019 International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) list. Delhi ranked 75th out of 475 cities.  Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi will help India capture more share in the sector, not only by attracting more visitors but also by encouraging the growth of ancillary industries such as hospitality, transportation, and entertainment. 

The Prime Minister said that these two convention centres together will make Delhi the biggest hub for conference and exhibition tourism in the world and will help showcase India's economic prowess and commercial muscle to the global audience. He also invited the film and television industry, as well as global event management companies, to organise events at these venues. 

“Both Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi are a confluence of Indian culture and state-of-the-art facilities, and these grand establishments express India's story before the world,” the Prime Minister said. He also launched the PM Vishwakarma Scheme to help traditional artisans, craftsmen and weavers who have contributed to the construction and decoration of these centres. The scheme will provide financial assistance, skill development and market linkages to 18 categories of artisans. 

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi will help promote trade, industry and employment in the country and will attract more foreign visitors and investors. "These centres will provide world-class experience to the visitors and will also generate employment opportunities for lakhs of youth in the hospitality, tourism and allied sectors," Goyal said. 

The designs for both Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi conform to architectural stipulations for sustainability and environmental conservation. Yashobhoomi is connected to the Delhi Airport Metro Express through a new metro station inaugurated at Sector 25 in Dwarka. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the extension of the metro line from Dwarka’s Sector 21 to Sector 25. 

With these two mega projects, Delhi is set to become a preferred destination for hosting national and international events, exhibitions and conferences. The government hopes that these centres will contribute to India's experiential economy and enhance its soft power in the world.