HIDCO to project New Town as exhibition, convention centre

The Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) is likely to project New Town as a preferred destination for exhibitions and also as a Convention Centre in South East Asia.

In view of the large number of exhibitions and conventions that take place here, HIDCO has taken this decision.

It may be mentioned that the work of Biswa Bangla Convention Centre is almost complete and is all set to be inaugurated end of this year. The convention centre is coming up on a 10-acre plot. There will be an auditorium with seating arrangement of around 3,000 spectators.

HIDCO authority observed that many important meetings take place in this township as several important organisations choose New Town as the ideal spot to host important conventions.

"In the recent review meeting with officers of HIDCO, NKDA and other agencies, I mentioned that a large number of exhibitions and conventions have been taking place in New Town. There are few segments where this zone has already been considered a preferred destination. So we can project this town as a preferred destination for exhibitions and conventions," said Debashis Sen, additional Chief Secretary of the state government and Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of HIDCO.

"Mining equipment, heavy equipment exhibition cannot take place in the interior and central part of Kolkata due to height and weight restrictions. The organisers need to carry heavy vehicles, machines to display in exhibitions, so they always prefer to have places near to the airport," Sen added.

"Entertainment programmes including musical shows attract huge number of youth from all across the nation especially from North-East India. It is easy for them to reach here from the airport," the HIDCO CMD further stated.

"Recently Bacardi NH7 Weekender was organised in an area on the borders of New Town. Zee Saregama finals and Sunburn Music Event with Snake DJ was held on grounds near Eco Park. We can provide all the facilities such as large grounds, electricity, drinking water and sanitation," he added.

There is a tremendous demand for national and international conventions in New Town.

Najrul Tirtha, which can accommodate 400 people, earlier hosted National Cancer Symposium, Taekwondo Summit, and Body Building shows, HIDCO CMD further added.

"New Town can provide you large tracts of open-to-sky grounds for hanger-based massive exhibitions. The roads are free of traffic congestion and close to the airport as well. Several hotels including the largest 5-star hotel of Kolkata as well as other hotels would give the delegates additional options here. A business club, Nazrul Tirtha, a dedicated movie theatre for special screenings and a 250-yard golf driving range add to the attractions," Sen said.

He further elaborated: "We must carve out a strategy to project New Town as an exhibition and convention destination. And the crucial issue is to complete the Biswa Banga Convention Centre on time."