Vice-President of India lays foundation stones of International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC)
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-President stated that IECC at Pragati Maidan will be a state-of-the-art world class complex for the city of Delhi. He said that such a complex was long overdue at a central location in the capital city of Delhi. He envisaged that the IECC project will further strengthen and diversify the roots of trade in India and also promote trade from India in different markets of the world. He emphasised on the need of such convention and exhibition facilities in other cities as well.
He linked such initiatives to the slogan of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Reform, Perform and Transform aligning with the basic objectives of development and good governance.
Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Suresh Prabhu emphasised on the importance of such projects for propelling India into a new trajectory of growth and development. India will depict its prominent position in international trade and business through such exhibition halls. He said that the convention centre will be an exhibit in itself for New India. He said that ITPO is building new facilities which will actually make sure that India will be able to depict its true capacities through its Exhibition Halls and facilities. The facilities which are going to be created as part of IECC are really in the spirit of what Modern India should be.
Shri Hardeep S. Puri, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (I/C) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs emphasised the role of his Ministry in approving and funding the Integrated Transit Corridor Development Project which will lead to traffic decongestion in and around Pragati Maidan. This project will provide an alternative to Bhairon Marg through a 27 mtrs. wide six lane tunnel underneath Pragati Maidan connecting Purana Qila Road to Ring Road and Mathura Road will be signal free from W point to DPS. Hon’ble MoS (I/C) said that IECC is going to be an iconic centre which will draw visitors for its own beauty and help Delhi assuming its rightful role as a Global city where world leaders and businesses want to stage International Events.
Shri C.R. Choudhary, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry stated that the Hon’ble Prime Minister has laid emphasis on development of infrastructure to achieve the larger goal of inclusive growth and development. He appreciated the role of Chairman of ITPO, Shri L.C. Goyal for construction of this landmark structure at such an amazing pace to be completed within two years.
Shri L.C. Goyal, CMD, ITPO stated that the complex would be a new landmark in the capital city of Delhi and more significantly a unique symbol of New India envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. He further added that it is a big day for ITPO and it will be a bigger day when we will deliver these projects of National Importance with utmost quality by September’ 2019.
Other Dignitaries present on the occasion were Shri P.K. Sinha, Cabinet Secretary, Ms. Rita Teaotia, Commerce Secretary, Shri Durga Shankar Mishra, Secretary, Housing and Urban Affairs, Dr. A.K. Mittal, CMD, NBCC & Shri Sarvagya Srivastava, Engineer-in-Chief, PWD, Government of Delhi.
Shri Deepak Kumar, Executive Director, ITPO proposed the vote of thanks.