Work on ₹525-Crore Kalaignar Convention Centre to Begin Mid-April

The construction of Kalaignar International Convention Centre (KICC), a modern facility to increase Chennai’s potential as a marquee event destination, is expected to begin by the second week of April. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin consecrates the ambitious project.

The convention centre will be built on a 37.49-acre site in Muttukadu along the East Coast Road, next to Dakshinachitra. The project is being implemented at an estimated cost of ₹525 crore by the Public Works Department (PWD).

The palace will remain the centre for hosting big conferences, exhibitions and performances, making it one of the largest event cities in South India. It will include a 10,000-strong exhibition hall, a 5,000-strong convention hall, and a 2,000-strong auditorium spanning across two floors.

The centre will also feature a complete range of contemporary conveniences such as dedicated dining areas, a cafeteria, VIP lounges and uninterrupted power supply systems. The facilities will also feature parking spaces for approximately 1,700 vehicles.

The senior PWD official added that the required land for the project had largely been acquired. Relocating a casting yard previously used by the Chennai Metro Rail Project is one of the ongoing efforts.

The convention centre will also include aesthetic architectural features such as an entrance arch, ornamental ‘stapathi’ (traditional design) works and expansive hardscaping.

Construction on the project is set to begin within 18 months.

When completed, the Kalaignar International Convention Centre is expected to vastly improve Chennai’s ability to host international conferences, exhibitions and cultural programs of major scale.