Centre gives nod to world-class exhibition centre

The government on Wednesday cleared the decks for construction of world-class exhibition-cum convention centre in the city at Dwarka by approving transfer of 89.72 hectares of land to the DIPP.

The decision to give special directions to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to transfer the land to the department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP) for a nominal sum of Rs 1 within six weeks was taken by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The Cabinet has given its approval for transfer of land measuring 89.72 hectares in Sector 25, Dwarka, free from all encumbrances, to the DIPP for creation of a world class state-of-the-art exhibition-cum convention centre,” an official statement said.

“This is a special case so that directions can be granted to the DDA under... The Delhi Development Act, 1957,” for transfer of land, it said, adding the project is expected to generate spending of over Rs 2 lakh crore per annum after commissioning of the second phase of the project and is estimated to generate over 5 lakh employment opportunities.

Commenting on the decision, commerce and industry minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the efforts would be made to complete the project “at the earliest”.

“The Cabinet has approved it. Land was the major issue, but that has now come.”

“Multi-use is being permitted. The public–private partnership (PPP) model is also being allowed... So the permission obtained through the Cabinet today is to make sure that you have the flexibility to build it with one or the other method — PPP or completely government,” Ms Sitharaman told PTI.

The statement said that a committee comprising secretaries from various ministries, including DIPP, urban development, expenditure, DEA and Niti Aayog CEO would steer the project, including project structuring and development options in a transparent, competitive manner.