Karnataka Plans Larger Trade and Convention Centre at Whitefield

Karnataka is considering a major expansion of its trade and exhibition infrastructure with a proposal to develop the 48.35-acre Karnataka Trade Promotion Organisation (KTPO) property in Whitefield into a larger trade, exhibition and convention centre.

The proposal was discussed during Industries Minister M.B. Patil’s visit to the KTPO property on September 15, along with India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) Chairman Javed Ashraf. The government is looking to make better use of the strategically located land and create facilities capable of hosting larger trade fairs, exhibitions, conventions and cultural programmes.

The project is still at the planning stage, and the government has not announced an estimated investment, construction schedule or completion timeline.

The proposed development would come up on KTPO’s existing 48.35-acre property in Whitefield, one of East Bengaluru’s established commercial and employment corridors. The state government holds a 49% stake in KTPO, while ITPO owns the remaining 51%, making coordination between the two organisations important as the proposal moves forward.

According to the proposal, the new facility could include a 20,000-square-metre building spread across two floors, with each floor covering approximately 10,000 square metres. Plans also include multiple exhibition halls, meeting rooms, convention facilities and dedicated spaces for cultural programmes. A parking facility for around 500 cars is also proposed.

The existing KTPO exhibition centre was established in 2002. The government has indicated that the facility is no longer adequate for the scale and size of events it wants to attract to Bengaluru. The proposed expansion is therefore being considered as an upgrade of the existing property rather than the development of a separate exhibition centre at another location.

Whitefield’s established business ecosystem adds significance to the proposal. The area has a large concentration of technology companies, offices, commercial developments, hotels and retail establishments. A larger venue could support trade events and conventions while generating additional activity for hospitality, transport, food and other services.

The government is also separately examining around 14 acres of KTPO land near Kundalahalli Metro station under its asset-monetisation programme. This parcel is distinct from the proposed 48.35-acre Whitefield exhibition and convention project.

For now, the focus remains on detailed planning and discussions with ITPO. The final design, investment requirement and implementation schedule will depend on the next stages of consultation and approvals.