Chandigarh, 08 April (H.S.): In a major push to strengthen Punjab’s position as a global investment and events destination, Industries & Commerce Minister Sanjeev Arora on Wednesday announced the development of a state-of-the-art Multipurpose Exhibition & Convention Centre (ECC) in Mohali.

The ambitious project will come up near Palaksha University and the Infosys campus in Sector 83, Mohali, highlighting the region’s rapid transformation into a modern IT and business hub. The initiative is being undertaken under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Addressing a press conference, Arora said the ECC will be developed on around 14 acres in Mohali IT City through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The project, with an estimated cost of ₹250 crore, will be executed by Exhicon Events Media Solutions Ltd., with a concession period of 15 years.

The Convention Centre will be constructed in two phases, with Phase I scheduled for completion by December 31, 2026, and Phase II by December 31, 2027. Once operational, it will be capable of hosting large-scale national and international events with world-class infrastructure.

Highlighting key features, the Minister said the facility will include column-free exhibition halls of approximately 40,000 sq. ft. and 15,000 sq. ft., along with conference rooms, breakout spaces, retail zones, and food and beverage areas spread across 15,000 sq. ft. It will also offer parking for at least 1,000 vehicles and landscaped public spaces for open events.

The ECC is designed as a flexible venue capable of hosting conferences and summits with 5,000 to 10,000 delegates, exhibitions with 200–500 booths, corporate events and cultural programmes for up to 10,000 attendees, and social gatherings accommodating up to 15,000 people.

Emphasising sustainability and modern infrastructure, Arora noted that the project will adopt GRIHA 5-Star green building standards, advanced structural systems, efficient traffic planning, and integrated MEP, AV, and IT solutions, while complying with all safety and accessibility norms.

Calling it a “transformational project,” Arora said the ECC will generate 15,000 to 25,000 employment opportunities over the next five years. It is also expected to boost tourism, hospitality, and allied sectors, positioning Punjab as a leading MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination.

Senior officials and stakeholders, including M Q Syed of Exhicon Group, Vikas Hira (PUDA), architect Sanjay Surya, and Director Rahul Shah, were also present at the announcement.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH