CM Mohan Yadav has announced the expansion of the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Center (Minto Hall) and the construction of a new convention center to meet Bhopal’s growing need for large-scale event venues. He emphasized that the necessity for such a facility became evident during the Global Investors Summit, leading to swift approval from the central government. The project, one of the first major initiatives under the new Union Budget, will commence soon.
CM Mohan Yadav highlighted that, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, rapid development is taking place across various sectors, including urban infrastructure. He affirmed that the growth of Bhopal and Madhya Pradesh will align with the Prime Minister’s vision.
Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony at Kushabhau Thakre Convention Center, Dr. Yadav instructed tourism department officials to ensure the architectural design of the ₹100 crore project complements the existing center. The new facility will serve as a key venue for high-level meetings, business conferences, and major events.
Bhopal as the ‘Tiger Capital’
CM Mohan Yadav also emphasized Madhya Pradesh’s rising prominence in the tourism sector. He noted that Bhopal’s natural beauty was a key topic of discussion among delegates at the Global Investors Summit. With the state having India’s highest tiger population and the recent addition of Madhav National Park as its ninth tiger reserve, Madhya Pradesh has become a prime destination for wildlife tourism.
He highlighted Bhopal’s unique human-wildlife coexistence, with Ratapani Sanctuary—home to a significant tiger population—just a few kilometers from the city. Additionally, Bhopal’s lakes are home to gharials, adding to the city’s ecological significance. Madhya Pradesh is the only state in India that hosts both cheetahs and multiple tiger reserves along with a gharial sanctuary in the Chambal region.
CM Mohan Yadav praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, stating that he has fulfilled Swami Vivekananda’s vision of India’s rise in the 21st century. He also highlighted India’s economic progress under Modi, surpassing England in global rankings. To align with this vision, Madhya Pradesh is making major strides in tourism development, including expanding air connectivity to boost trade and commerce.
The Chief Minister appreciated the participation of industry and trade representatives, particularly from the hotel and tourism sectors, at the foundation stone-laying event.
Speedy Implementation and Industrial Growth
Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Shri Chaitanya Kumar Kashyap, highlighted that within just ten days of Dr. Yadav’s announcement on February 25, the foundation stone for the convention center was laid. He credited the success of the Global Investors Summit for fostering enthusiasm among investors, leading to rapid industrial development.
Senior MP Shri V.D. Sharma commended Dr. Yadav’s vision, stating that the new convention center would address the capacity constraints of the existing facility. He also noted that Bhopal’s beauty had left a lasting impression on Prime Minister Modi during his visit. Tourism Minister Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi conveyed his congratulations via video message.
Features of the New Convention Center
The modern convention center will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and will be connected to the existing facility via a corridor. Key features include:
- Multiple Floors – Basement, lower, first, and second floors
- Cultural Center – A space showcasing local handicrafts during conferences
- Large Event Spaces –
- Auditorium for 1,500 people
- Hall for 300 people
- Meeting hall for 200 people
- Dining hall with a 2,000-person capacity
- Open lawn for 2,000 people
- Combined convention hall for 3,000 attendees with dining for 4,500 people
- Guest Accommodations – 15 rooms, including 5 suites and 10 large rooms with a total of 40 beds
- Banquet Hall – Capacity for 2,000 people
- Business Center – Featuring a press lounge, travel desk, currency exchange, private lounges, and tea lounge
- Dining Facilities – A restaurant for 300 people
- Advanced Infrastructure – Modern building management, fire-fighting systems, high-end audio-video technology, acoustically designed interiors
- Parking – Space for 400 vehicles
The new center is expected to be completed by 2026 and will be a landmark addition to Bhopal’s infrastructure.
The event was attended by MLAs Shri Rameshwar Sharma and Shri Bhagwandas Sabnani, Bhopal Municipal Corporation President Shri Krishna Suryavanshi, and other public representatives. The ceremony included a formal welcome, an address by Principal Secretary of Tourism Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla, and a presentation of mementos to guests. Also present were Tourism Corporation Managing Director Shri Ilaiya Raja T and other officials.