The Maniram Dewan Trade Centre. Picture by Eastern Projections

Guwahati, May 28: The growing popularity of the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre has prompted the state government to chalk out a multi-crore rupee expansion plan to give the fair and convention venue an infrastructure facelift.

The general manager of the Assam Trade Promotion Organisation (ATPO), Bipul Das, said an air-conditioned exhibition space of 30,000 square feet, a multi-cuisine food court and a 300 to 500-seater conference hall will be added to the trade centre.

He said the organisation, manages the operations of the trade centre, has signed an agreement with the central public works department (CPWD) to prepare the estimates and details of the expansion plan.

Das said according to a rough estimate, the expansion will cost nearly Rs 25 crore.

“After the government prohibited the holding of fairs and exhibitions at playgrounds, our bookings have gone up manifold. The government has decided to add more space so that if required two events can be held at the trade centre simultaneously,” Das said.

The proposed facilities will be created on an open area, measuring nearly four acres on the trade centre precincts.

Das said they were offering the entire facility at a “promotional rate” of Rs 12,500 plus taxes (excluding electricity charges) per day.

Since its inauguration in February 19, 2009, they have earned revenue to the tune of more than Rs. 20 lakh.

“We are offering this promotional rate till November this year. The initial idea of offering this promotional rate is to encourage organisers to hold their events at the trade centre,” he said.

He said 24 events, including fairs, conventions and conferences, were held at the trade centre between November, 2009 and April this year.

Some of the major events held at the trade centre during this period were Machinery Mart by Confederation of Indian Industry, Book Fair by Publication Board, International Guwahati Trade Fair, Asom International Trade Fair and the annual conference of Indian Society of Nephrology.

“Even Maruti Udyog is holding their car launch functions at the trade centre,” he said.

“Between May this year and April next year, we already have more than 20 bookings,” he said.

Das said initially they were apprehensive whether the people would come to the trade centre, as it was located at Betkuchi on the city’s outskirts.

“But so far most of the events organised here got a good response with an impressive turnout of visitors. In fact, this has prompted the government to add more space and facilities,” he said.

The state industry and commerce department, in association with the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), developed the trade centre at a cost of Rs 20.38 crore, which was inaugurated on February 19, 2009.

It was architecturally and structurally designed to be a state-of-the-art business and exhibition complex.

At present, the centre has a 40,000 square feet exhibition area, besides a 20-seater air-conditioned conference room, a 100-seater air-conditioned convention room and a 300-seater air-conditioned convention hall.

It also has parking facility for nearly 250 vehicles.