International convention centre planned in B'lore

The Karnataka government proposes to set up an international convention centre near international airport at Devanahalli, about 35 kms from here.

The state tourism department, which will implement the project, has already sent a formal proposal to the Union government for approval, a senior state government official said.

"We have prepared a project proposal and requested the state infrastructure development department to allot about 100 acres of land near the ongoing international airport at Devanahalli for the purpose," L Shanthakumari, principal secretary, tourism department said.

Talking to Business Standard, she said the convention centre will be set up with private participation. A special purpose vehicle is also being established to take forward the project work.

While the state government will contribute land for the project, the funds required for the project will be pooled by private investors and Central government.

The government of India has in-principle agreed to fill the viability gap, she said.

Shanthakumari said Bangalore is among four cities chosen by the Central government to establish international convention centre, with Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata being the remaining three cities.

The convention centre will have all the amenities at one place, such as conference halls to seat 3,000 people, Internet cafes, ATMs, banks, parking area, shopping complexes, 5-star hotels, restaurants, banking facility, post office, etc.

The tourism department will display information regarding the tourism destinations in the state at the convention centre to facilitate the incoming foreign tourists, she said.

The Infrastructure Development Corporation (Karnataka) Limited (iDeCK) has been entrusted the task of preparing the project report.

It has already assisted the state tourism department in preparing project reports for redevelopment of state-owned hotel properties and luxury tourist train service (palace on wheels).

Though the exact amount of funds required for the project is yet to be ascertained, it would require several hundred crore rupees, Shanthakumari added.