Chandigarh: In a significant push to elevate the city’s status as a premier destination for international events, business, and tourism, the Chandigarh administration has advanced key projects envisioned under the Chandigarh Master Plan-2031 (CMP-2031).These include a dedicated Convention Centre in Sector 17, a large-scale Concert Centre in Sarangpur, and a permanent exhibition centre in Sector 31.A prime 5.6-acre site in Sector-17 was identified for the development of an International Convention Centre focused on business and global events. The facility is set to be equipped with world-class amenities to host high-profile international conferences, meetings, and exhibitions, addressing the growing demand for modern, purpose-built venues in the region. It is part of the UT plans to have 2 ‘iconic’ buildings in Sector 17 on Madhya Marg.The designs will have to align with the architectural vision of Le Corbusier for Sector 17. As highlighted in the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031, the 2 proposed iconic buildings along Madhya Marg are intended to create a strong entry statement to the city centre, while remaining in harmony with the distinctive architectural character of Sector 17.Complementing this, a sprawling 25-acre site in the Sarangpur Institutional Area was earmarked for an Exhibition-cum-Concert Centre. The Tourism Department appointed a consultant to guide the project. This development aims to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure for national and international events, cultural exchanges, concerts, and exhibitions. It will include provisions for large gatherings (accommodating over 35,000 people), extensive parking (for thousands of vehicles), VIP lounges, and open spaces—helping retain major events within Chandigarh instead of shifting to neighbouring cities due to venue and traffic constraints.The exhibition centre is planned to come up on a 6.4-acre site adjacent to the Industrial Area rotary. The site was reserved for an exhibition ground in the master plan. On one side, it abuts the Purva Marg, and on another, the Dakshin Marg.These international-standard buildings will blend commercial, institutional, and tourism-promoting spaces. 1 will prioritise institutional facilities for hosting international conferences, meetings, and exhibitions, while the other will focus on commercial and office spaces. Both will incorporate dedicated areas to boost tourism-related activities.The renewed momentum follows the administration’s intensified efforts to implement various aspects of CMP-2031 and land use optimisation. While financial strategies, detailed layouts, and implementation timelines will be addressed subsequently—depending on resources and priorities—the current focus remains on securing approvals for the volumetric plans.These developments mark a strategic step towards modernising Chandigarh’s event and business infrastructure, positioning the city to better compete as a hub for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism while preserving its unique Le Corbusier heritage. Officials indicate that further announcements on timelines and execution models are expected as approvals progress.
