Tatas, DLF submit bids for intl convention centre

The Tata Group and real estate major DLF are believed to have expressed interest in developing the proposed International Convention Centre (ICC) to come up adjacent to the new International Airport at Devanahalli, in Bangalore

The Karnataka Department of Tourism had called for applications to develop the ICC under the public -private partnership model. Director of tourism C Somasekhar told Business Standard the Infrastructure Development Corporation of Karnataka (IDEC), the nodal agency, has received seven bids so far.

The ICC, which will be built on an area of 35 acres, is expected to have a capacity of 3,000-5,000 seats. It will house a convention centre, several small halls, restaurants and business centres. The centre will be built on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model with financial assistance from the tourism ministry if required.

"We will evaluate each bid, shortlist suitable parties and then declare the results around mid-September," he said. The estimated cost of developing the ICC is around Rs 500 crore. According to sources, the Tatas and DLF Group are among the top contenders for the project.

Delhi-based DLF has, in the last few months, bagged contracts to construct a Rs 400-crore international convention centre in Goa and a Rs 6,000-crore convention centre near Delhi's Indira Gandhi Airport. Apart from the ICC, the Tata Group has shown interest in other infrastructure projects in Karnataka such as airports in tier-II cities.

Industry experts aver that Karnataka is in dire need of large convention centres . Apart from the sprawling grounds surrounding the Bangalore Palace, events are now held at the Trade Centre in Whitefield, NIMHANS convention centre (with a seating capacity of 1,200) and the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC).