The Uttar Pradesh government has cleared the path for an International Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICEC) worth ₹1,058.22 crore, exclusive of GST. The project, which will be implemented under the Avadh Vihar Yojana, is expected to be a gamechanger for the state capital’s urban and economic landscape.
Envisaged with a total built-up area of 1.32 lakh square metres, the facility aims to attract large-scale domestic and international events, strengthening Lucknow’s credentials as a rising centre for knowledge exchange, business dialogue, and cultural convergence. The blueprint prepared by the state’s planning department outlines an ambitious timeline of 18 months for the project’s completion. Once operational, the ICEC will be among the country’s largest venues of its kind, capable of accommodating up to 10,000 participants. The facility will include four expansive exhibition halls, a cutting-edge auditorium with a seating capacity of 2,500, and a suite of supporting infrastructure designed to meet global standards. The convention centre is being developed through the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode to ensure timely execution and quality assurance, signalling the government’s intent to deploy efficient models of public infrastructure delivery.
What sets this project apart is its focus on sustainable and future-ready urban development. In line with India’s climate commitments and the city’s aspirations for carbon neutrality, the centre will incorporate a 300-kilowatt solar-powered energy unit, energy-efficient systems, and environmentally responsive design elements. The planned inclusion of a world-class audio-visual setup and a digital public address system is expected to enhance the user experience while reflecting the government’s push for smart and digitally enabled infrastructure. Additionally, the construction plan includes a spacious basement parking facility, driver lounges, modern toilet blocks, walkover pathways, and iconic 35-metre-high clock towers to add a civic identity to the space.
The government’s emphasis on global benchmarks and green technology reflects a strategic pivot toward inclusive urban growth that harmonises economic ambition with sustainability. The ICEC’s development is not merely a civic asset—it is a symbol of Uttar Pradesh’s evolving narrative in infrastructure-led development and a window into the region’s increasing importance in India’s event economy. With its high-capacity halls and smart facilities, Lucknow will soon join the league of cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Delhi that are home to premier international exhibition centres. The long-term dividends from such a centre are expected to reverberate across the hospitality, transport, retail, and service sectors, creating significant employment opportunities and indirect economic gains.
At a time when the state is making substantial investments in expressways, defence corridors, and logistics hubs, this convention centre aligns with the broader development vision of creating self-reliant urban ecosystems. If executed as planned, the centre could also strengthen India’s G20 legacy by offering a world-class platform for diplomatic, commercial, and cultural engagements beyond the metros. The transformation of Lucknow into a national and global venue is not just about bricks and mortar—it is about building aspiration, inclusion, and sustainable growth.
