Punjab Plans Convention Hub To Drive Economic Activity
A new exhibition-cum-convention centre planned in Mohali is set to expand the region’s capacity to host large-scale business and cultural events, signalling a strategic push to strengthen Punjab’s position in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) economy. The proposed facility will be developed in Mohali’s IT City area, near emerging institutional and corporate clusters, reflecting an effort to align infrastructure investments with knowledge and technology corridors.
Spread across approximately 14 acres, the project will be executed through a public-private partnership model, with an estimated investment of around ₹250 crore. Designed as a multi-functional venue, the centre will include large-span exhibition halls, conference spaces, breakout rooms and integrated retail and hospitality zones. With the ability to host events ranging from corporate summits to large public gatherings, the facility is expected to accommodate thousands of participants simultaneously, positioning Mohali as a competitive destination for national and international events. The development comes amid a broader effort to build an integrated economic ecosystem across the Chandigarh–Mohali region. While Chandigarh has traditionally served as an administrative and institutional hub, Mohali has rapidly emerged as a technology and services centre. The introduction of large-format event infrastructure is expected to bridge a key gap in the region’s urban offering—providing a platform for trade exhibitions, industry events and global conferences.
From an urban development perspective, such infrastructure plays a catalytic role in shaping city economies. Convention centres are known to stimulate demand across hospitality, transport and retail sectors, creating multiplier effects that extend beyond the immediate project footprint. Officials estimate that the project could generate between 15,000 and 25,000 jobs over its initial years of operation, underlining its potential economic impact. The project is planned in two phases, with initial components targeted for completion within the next year and full build-out expected by 2027. This phased approach allows early activation of the site while aligning subsequent development with demand growth and operational feedback.
Urban planners note that the success of such projects depends not only on physical infrastructure but also on integration with surrounding urban systems. Connectivity to airports, highways and public transport will be critical in ensuring accessibility for large events. Equally important will be the inclusion of sustainable design elements, efficient traffic management and public realm planning to support high footfall without straining local infrastructure. The Mohali initiative also aligns with a wider trend across Indian cities seeking to build specialised economic infrastructure to attract investment and global engagement. As competition between urban regions intensifies, the ability to host large-scale events is increasingly linked to economic positioning and city branding.
For Punjab, the project represents a step towards diversifying its urban economy beyond traditional sectors. By creating a dedicated platform for business exchange and cultural engagement, the convention centre could enhance the region’s visibility in national and international circuits. As execution moves forward, the focus will be on ensuring timely delivery, operational viability and integration with the broader urban fabric—factors that will ultimately determine whether the project can deliver sustained economic and urban value.
