Panaji: Even as the state struggles to get the Tuem Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) fully operational, the department of information technology, electronics & communications (DITE&C) has planned an international convention centre on 23,988 sqm within the cluster in Pernem, with an estimated capital expenditure of Rs 140 crore.The project will be developed on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis, with govt seeking a private operator to design, build, finance and operate the facility for 30 years before transferring it to the state. Govt also expects to earn quarterly revenue from the project.The land earmarked for the convention centre forms part of the larger 5 lakh sqm EMC being developed by state at Tuem. Project documents envision an international convention centre, exhibition centre, conference facilities, international hotel, co-working spaces, retail outlets and food courts.The proposed facility is expected to include a main hall with a capacity of 2,000 people, a banquet facility for 1,000 guests, a 50-room hotel block, 30 co-working units for small teams, and basement parking for more than 1,000 vehicles.The site’s proximity to Manohar International Airport at Mopa has been identified as a key selling point for prospective investors.Department officials said the developer would be required to deliver a facility to standards comparable with established global venues such as the Dubai World Trade Centre, Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi and Jio World Centre in Mumbai.The centre is also planned as a smart facility, with AI-controlled utilities, facial-recognition surveillance, crowd-monitoring systems and robots for cleaning, security and visitor assistance.Officials said construction is unlikely to begin for at least another two years.The department envisages the project as a landmark infrastructure initiative to position Goa as a hub for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourism, technology symposiums and industrial expos. The facility is expected to generate spillover benefits for the hospitality, transport, retail and services sectors.GFXExpansion PlansThe proposed facility is expected to include:Main hall with a capacity of 2,000 peopleBanquet facility for 1,000 guests50-room hotel block30 co-working units for small teamsBasement parking for more than 1,000 vehiclesThe centre is also planned as a smart facility, with AI-controlled utilities, facial-recognition surveillance, crowd-monitoring systems, and robots for cleaning, security and visitor assistanceCIRCLE: The site’s proximity to Manohar International Airport at Mopa has been identified as a key selling point for prospective investors
