Yashobhumi IICC Centre Inaugurated

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic moment on 17th Sep on Lord Vishwakarma Day, as he unveiled Phase 1 of the India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC), aptly named ‘Yashobhoomi’, which was built at the cost of Rs 5,400 cr. at Dwarka, Sector-25. 'Yashobhoomi' boasts of a magnificent convention centre, multiple exhibition halls and other facilities and finds its place among the world's largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities.

Talking about the future of conference tourism, the Prime Minister said the sector holds immense potential for India and is worth more than Rs 25,000 crores. More than 32,000 big exhibitions and expos are organised in the world every year, where people coming for conference tourism spend more money than ordinary tourists. India's share in such a big industry is only around 1 per cent and many big companies in India go to foreign lands every year to organise their events. Thus, India is also preparing itself for conference tourism now, the PM emphasized. Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi centres are now going to make Delhi the biggest hub of conference tourism and lakhs of youth are likely to get employment, he further added. The total project area of the IICC facility is over 8.9 lakh square metres, whereas the built-up area is of more than 1.8 lakh square metres. The convention centre, built across more than 73,000 square metres, comprises 15 convention rooms, including the main auditorium, the grand ballroom and 13 meeting rooms. These facilities collectively offer a remarkable capacity, capable of accommodating up to 11,000 delegates. Yashobhoomi sets a technological benchmark with the largest LED media facade in the country, enhancing visual experiences and communication. The plenary hall in the convention centre has the seating capacity of around 6,000 guests. The auditorium has an innovative automated seating system which converts the flat floor into an auditorium style tiered seating for different seating configurations. The Grand Ballroom can host around 2,500 guests. It also has an extended open area with seating capacity of up to 500 people. The 13 meeting rooms that are spread across eight floors are envisaged to hold a variety of meetings of different scales. 'Yashobhoomi', the Convention Centre is seamlessly connected to Delhi Airport Metro Express line with the inauguration of the new metro station 'Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25 on the same day. Delhi Metro will also increase the operational speed of Metro trains on Airport Express Line from 90 to 120 kilometre per hour reducing the travel time. The total journey from 'New Delhi' to 'Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25' will take about 21 minutes. PM Narendra Modi also launched the "PM Vishwakarma" scheme on the occasion of the Vishwakarma Jayanti, under which traditional craftsmen and artisans will be provided loan assistance at a minimal interest rate without the need for collateral. With a financial outlay of Rs 13,000 crores for a period of five years, the scheme will benefit about 30 lakh families of traditional artisans and craftsmen, including sculptors, weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, carpenters, laundry workers, potters, cobblers, tailors, masons, hairdressers, washer men and barbers, among the 18 focus areas,. The PM underscored the contribution and importance of the Vishwakarmas in the everyday life of the country and said that our Vishwakarma colleagues are the pride of Make in India. Among others, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman; Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, micro, small and medium enterprises minister Narayan Rane and Union Minister for State for micro, small and medium Enterprises Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma were present on the occasion.