Chandigarh Sarangpur concert centre work may start in April

Chandigarh’s ₹40-crore concert-cum-exhibition centre at Sarangpur, delayed for nine years, awaits Union tourism ministry approval, with construction expected to begin in April under PPP model

Approval Sought for ₹40-Crore Concert and Exhibition Centre

After nearly nine years, the detailed project report (DPR) for a ₹40-crore concert-cum-exhibition centre at Sarangpur has been prepared. It has been sent to the Union Ministry of Tourism for approval.

Once approved, the project will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model as part of the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.

The project will be built on 25 acres of land, about three kilometres from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER). Construction is expected to start in April this year, pending the Ministry’s clearance.

Project Background and Planning

The DPR was prepared by a consultant appointed by the Centre. The project was first proposed in 2017 but faced delays in finalizing the DPR.

A senior official from the UT tourism department confirmed that the DPR has been sent for approval. “Since the project is part of the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, it will be funded by the Union tourism ministry. The UT engineering department will implement the project, and construction is likely to begin in April this year,” the official stated.

Facility Features and Visitor Experience

The consultant’s report assessed Chandigarh’s potential as an entertainment and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) destination. The proposed facility will include a modern convention and exhibition centre to host large-scale events.

The report aims to position Chandigarh as a preferred destination for MICE tourism in northern India. It also recommends using advanced technologies for visitor experiences, such as augmented reality (AR) tours and interactive displays.

International Case Studies

The report includes three international case studies. Disneyland in California is noted for its immersive experiences with animatronics and AR. Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is recognized for its technology-driven MICE ecosystem. Tokyo Disneyland is highlighted for its use of projection mapping and virtual reality to enhance visitor engagement.