World-class convention centre at Digha to be ready in 18 months

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's dream project to set up an international standard convention centre in Digha may see fruition in the next 18 months.

The convention centre in the state's favourite seaside tourist spot, Digha, will be developed on a 3-acre plot.

It may be mentioned that the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had announced on January 2 at the inauguration of the Bengal Information Technology Park in Haldia that a convention centre would be developed in Digha where big ticket trade meets would be held and captains of industry would converge.

She had said that many companies hold business conventions in Goa and some of them expressed their willingness to organise the same in Digha. Thus the state government will develop a world-class convention centre in Digha for such high profile events.

Both national and overseas business delegates are taken to other states as they prefer sea- side venues. A comprehensive scheme is underway to beautify Digha including running of a toy train.

According to sources in the state secretariat, the convention centre will be at par with the ones at Bangkok and Hong Kong and accommodate at least 1,000 delegates at a time. There will be huge conference halls where foreign delegates can hold meetings.

Better connectivity is an added advantage for the plot where the convention centre will come up in Digha. Additional arrangements will be made so that delegates and guests do not face any inconvenience in reaching the convention centre.

Digha has undergone a dramatic transformation since the change of guard in the state. Roads have been constructed. The entire area has been beautified. The stretch of the beach has been beautifully illuminated, and world-class aquariums near the seashore have made it a big draw for tourists.

Most importantly, Digha has become a free wi-fi zone. Besides ensuring uninterrupted power supply tothe area, the state government had also taken necessary steps to improve internet connectivity.

The state government is leaving no stone unturned to convert Digha into the perfect destination for international conventions.

It may be mentioned that the state's biggest convention centre is coming up at New Town and it will also be completed by mid-2017. Bengal Global Business Summit in 2018 will be held at the spanking New Town convention centre.