Pragati Maidan is an exhibition complex located near Mathura Road in New Delhi. Spread over 150 acre, it hosts some of India’s largest trade fairs, conventions and B2B exhibitions throughout the year. According to official estimates, Pragati Maidan attracts over 10 million footfalls annually across around 120 events. In this article we explore everything you need to know about visiting Pragati Maidan and the real estate around it.
See also: Popular Art Museums in Delhi
Key facts about Pragati Maidan
- Pragati Maidan was set up in 1972 during the tenure of India’s former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. Hence, earlier it was known as Indira Gandhi Arena.
- It is managed by the government via the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) formed in 1976 under the Ministry of Commerce.
- Currently, there are over 16 huge air conditioned exhibition halls totaling 61,290 sqm space inside Pragati Maidan. Additionally, there are several open areas for holding concomitant events.
- Annually, over 120 exhibitions, conventions and other programs are hosted here spanning different sectors. The most popular being India International Trade Fair (IITF).
- As per estimates, Pragati Maidan receives 10-15 million visitors every year.
- After years of planning, a massive redevelopment project has been undertaken to give Pragati Maidan a face lift in sync with world class venues. New modern facilities are expected to be completed by 2025.
How to reach Pragati Maidan?
Location: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
By metro
The nearest metro station to Pragati Maidan is the Supreme Court metro station on the Blue Line. From the station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or cab to reach the centre, which takes 5 to 10 minutes.
By bus
The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses numbered 433, 519, 522 etc from different parts of Delhi have a stop right outside Gate 1 of Pragati Maidan along Mathura Road.Â
By road
Pragati Maidan has multiple access roads from all across Delhi and can be easily accessed through the various intersections along Mathura Road.Â
Things to do and see at Pragati Maidan
Architecture
As you enter through the ornate gates, you are greeted by lush green lawns, fountains and the striking architecture of massive exhibition halls. The whole complex has variably sized domes that host specific shows and conventions.Â
Exhibitions
The biggest attraction of Pragati Maidan are the exhibitions, fairs and events hosted here round the year. From the prestigious India International Trade Fair to niche industrial events, you name a sector and it has a dedicated show here.Â
National Science Centre
The iconic National Science Centre located inside Pragati Maidan is a must-visit. This premier science museum features interactive galleries explaining scientific concepts, phenomena and innovations. Some key attractions include a huge dinosaur skeleton, aviation models, astronomy exhibits etc. Both kids and adults love exploring the Centre.
Gardens
Pragati Maidan also houses gardens with well-trimmed lawns, dancing fountains and lively snack bars. You can simply take a stroll admiring the greenery or sit and relax in nature.Â
Shopping and street food
The stretch outside Pragati Maidan comes alive when events are scheduled. Temporary shops selling clothes, fashion accessories, home décor items line the pavement.Â
Places nearby Pragati Maidan
National Railway MuseumÂ
Address: Chanakyapuri, New DelhiÂ
Showcases the heritage of railways in India through displays of trains, artefacts and interactive galleries spread across 10 acre.
Crafts MuseumÂ
Address: Bhairon Road, Pragati Maidan, New DelhiÂ
Top museum dedicated to the rich handicrafts tradition of India housing a vast collection of textiles, artefacts, carved objects etc from all states.
Nehru ParkÂ
Address: Vinay Marg, Chanakyapuri, New DelhiÂ
Sprawling green park with lush gardens, walking trails, play areas for kids and light snacks outlets.
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the ArtsÂ
Address: 1 C.V. Mess, Janpath, New DelhiÂ
Major arts and culture hub with art galleries, open air theatre, libraries exhibiting Indian heritage across various disciplines.
Lodhi GardenÂ
Address: Lodhi Road, New DelhiÂ
Historic garden combining architecture with nature including Muhammad Shah’s tomb, baolis, fountains amidst flowers and jogging tracks.
Khan MarketÂ
Address: Rabindra Nagar, New DelhiÂ
Iconic shopping hub with brands, boutiques and eateries in a unique U-shaped layout offering everything from fashion to electronics.
Real estate around Pragati Maidan
Residential aspect
Residential properties like studio apartments and 3BHK flats – inventory across budget ranges are available in areas like Bhagwan Das Road, Subroto Park, Nizamuddin West etc.
Commercial aspect
Because of its prominence as a MICE destination and connectivity via Mathura Road and Delhi Metro, areas around Pragati Maidan have seen a surge in the development of office complexes, hotels and restaurants. As a result the areas closer to Supreme Court metro station have become hot investment zones with many new projects focused on retail and office spaces coming up.
Property price range in Mathura Road
| Avg price / sqft | Price range / sqft | |
| Buy | Rs 31,701 | Rs 16,666 to Rs. 51,250 |
| Rent | Rs 91,285 (total area) | Rs 7,000 to Rs. 1 Lakh (total area) |
Source: housing.com
FAQs
Does Pragati Maidan remain open year round?
The Pragati Maidan complex remains open year-round but is busiest when key exhibitions are scheduled from October to March.
Can exhibitions at Pragati Maidan be visited in the evening as well?
Yes, popular trade fairs have extended evening hours up to 9 PM for public days.
What are the different types of exhibitions held at Pragati Maidan?
Pragati Maidan hosts over 120 events every year spanning diverse sectors like auto, IT, handicrafts, tourism, machinery, electronics, healthcare, books, garments and fashion, dairy, etc. Flagship fairs include India International Trade Fair, Auto Expo, World Book Fair among others on a rotational basis.
Does Pragati Maidan have cloakroom facilities to store your belongings?
Yes, manned cloak rooms are provided by the ITPO authorities at all the main exhibition halls operating during relevant fairs. Nominal charges of approximately over Rs 50 per bag are applicable. Lockers are also available to store small valuable items.
Where can I find details of tenders related to Pragati Maidan facilities and operations?
All official tenders concerning projects, contracts and concessions for amenities and operations at Pragati Maidan exhibition grounds are available on the India Trade Promotion Organisation website under relevant sections.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
