The Kalaignar International Convention Centre, expected to emerge as a key hub for large-scale national and international events on East Coast Road, is likely to be ready by December or early next year.

With nearly 60% of the structural work completed, the convention centre at Muttukadu, designed to boost Chennai’s infrastructure to host big-ticket events and major conferences and exhibitions, is steadily taking shape. Plans are under way to lease a parcel of land for the development of a luxury hotel project on the site.

Located along ECR, the ₹525-crore project is coming up at a premises spread over nearly 37.99 acres. The foundation stone for the project was laid in May 2025.

The large structure, which is coming up at a total plinth area of nearly 5.12 lakh sq.ft., would be divided in three portions to accommodate an exhibition hall, convention hall, and an auditorium.

Officials of the Public Works Department, the project-implementing agency, said a steel-truss system is being used to create a column-free roof spanning 71.50 metres in the exhibition hall. This would enable flexible interior spaces for large gatherings in the hall designed to accommodate up to 15,000 people. Collapsible partitions would allow the use of space for smaller events.

While the convention hall is being built with a seating capacity of 5,000, an auditorium with a capacity of 1,500 is coming up along with four banquet halls spread over the ground and the first floors of the structure.

Once the 7.62-acre portion of the land is transferred from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, work for other components such as landscaping, entrance arch with stapathy works, roads, and compound wall would begin, officials said.

Parking facility

Work is also in progress to construct parking facilities for 1,706 four-wheelers and about 1,700 two-wheelers.

Groundwater extraction would be restricted, with water requirements to be met through the local body.

The project would also incorporate the use of solar power to meet part of its electricity needs and the construction of sewage treatment plant of 800 kilolitre a day capacity to enhance self-sufficiency, officials added.