Helipad, mall and India Gate's reflection: Here's how Pragati Maidan will look in two years

Days after widespread outrage against the decision to demolish various structures at Pragati Maidan, including one of the iconic Hall of Nations and four of Hall of Industries, the government has begun unveiling its plans to transform the 20th century arena.

The older structures will be transformed into a world-class "Integrated Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC)," with amenities like a helipad, parking, mall, food court and even a hotel. The complex, which was once a collection of different pavilions, will also become greener and cooler, with mini water bodies spread across its almost 150 acre expanse.

The India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) has allocated a budget of Rs 2,254 crore for the project, which is designated to be completed by June 2019. The final complex will be spread over 30 acres, making it the largest in the world.

Here are 8 ways in which the government plans to redevelop Pragati Maidan:

#1 The convention centre will be designed as a "unique elliptical and sloping belt" with a large public plaza outside. A large landscaped, stepped podium will lead to the convention centre, replete with greenery and ornamental pools of water. The convention centre will have a raised form, making space for a 3,000-seater amphitheatre at it bottom. The building's "slope glass facade" will reflect India Gate on the outside, and the legendary war memorial will also be visible from the lobby of the centre's upper balcony.

#2

The new exhibition-cum-convention centre will also have a 500-room hotel. ITPO is planning to auction 3.7 acres of prime land in Pragati Maidan to facilitate funds for the hotel.

#3 Apart from the main complex with seven modern exhibition halls, the new Pragati Maidan will also have about 15 acres of open exhibition space, which will include four amphitheatres.

#4 The roof of the new structure will be turned into a massive helipad, with elevator access, to give dignitaries and various heads of state direct access to the convention centre.

#5 The newly developed convention centre will have a basement parking for around 4,800 vehicles, including cars and buses.

#6 The redevelopment efforts will not be limited to just Pragati Maidan, but also the traffic-heavy roads around it. ITPO plans to spend another Rs 800 crore to create an exhaustive transport network to decongest Pragati Maidan and the traffic-choked Bhairon and Mathura roads next to it.

A tunnel will be constructed under Pragati Maidan, that will connect Purana Quila Road to Ring Road, and this tunnel will also accessible from Mathura Road. Since the tunnel will directly link India Gate and ITO to Ring Road, its contruction will greatly help reduce traffic on Bhairon Road. The tunnel will also provide visitors direct access to the Pragati Maidan parking.

Apart from this, the Mathura Road, which has frequent traffic signals between ITO and Delhi Public School, will be made signal free.

#7 Apart from all these facilities, the new structure will include integrated food courts at the mezzanine levels, covered walkways and direct connectivity to Pragati Maidan metro station.

#8 ITPO will also install an 'Ashok Stambh' at Pragati Maidan as "a focal point for the rich landscape."