Kalaignar International Convention Centre expected to open by December 2025 or early 2026
The Kalaignar International Convention Centre, under construction at Muttukadu on East Coast Road (ECR) in Chennai, is expected to be completed by December 2025 or in the early months of 2026. The project, with an estimated cost of ₹525 crore, is being developed by the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department (PWD) on a site spanning approximately 37.99 acres. The site is located near the Muttukadu backwaters, a popular recreational area. The foundation stone was laid in May 2024, and as of early 2025, nearly 60% of the structural work has been completed, indicating that the project is on track.
The convention centre is named after the late M. Karunanidhi, a former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, who was widely known by the honorific Kalaignar. Once operational, the facility is expected to serve as a major hub for national and international conferences, exhibitions, trade fairs, and cultural events, thereby strengthening Chennai's position as a destination for large-scale gatherings.
The complex will have a total plinth area of approximately 5.12 lakh square feet, and it is divided into three principal components: an exhibition hall, a convention hall, and an auditorium. The exhibition hall, with a capacity to host up to 15,000 people, will feature a column-free interior achieved through an innovative steel-truss system. This truss will support a roof that spans 71.50 metres, providing a vast, unobstructed space that can be adapted using collapsible partitions to create smaller rooms for more intimate events. The convention hall will be able to seat 5,000 individuals, and the auditorium will have a seating arrangement for 1,500. In addition, four banquet halls are planned across the ground and first floors, offering versatile spaces for various functions.
To accommodate visitors, the centre will provide extensive parking facilities, with dedicated spaces for 1,706 four-wheelers and about 1,700 two-wheelers.
The project incorporates several environmentally friendly features. Solar panels will be installed to harness renewable energy, contributing to a portion of the centre's electricity requirements and reducing dependency on non-renewable sources. An on-site sewage treatment plant with a capacity of 800 kilolitres per day will treat wastewater effectively, allowing for its reuse in landscaping and other non-potable applications, thereby enhancing water efficiency. Furthermore, groundwater extraction will be kept to a minimum, with water needs primarily met through the local municipal supply, promoting sustainable water management and reducing strain on the local aquifer.
Certain ancillary works, including comprehensive landscaping, the construction of an imposing entrance arch featuring traditional sthapathy (architectural) designs that reflect Tamil cultural heritage, internal roads for smooth traffic movement, and a secure compound wall, are yet to commence. These works are contingent upon the formal transfer of a 7.62-acre land parcel from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to the project site. Officials have indicated that once the transfer is completed, these components will be taken up promptly and are not expected to delay the overall project timeline.
In addition, the state government is considering a proposal to lease out a portion of the land for the development of a luxury hotel. This hotel would complement the convention centre by providing high-end accommodation for delegates and visitors attending events at the venue.
Officials from the PWD have confirmed that the project is progressing as per schedule, and they remain confident that the convention centre will be ready for use by the targeted timeline. The facility is poised to become a landmark, contributing to the economic and infrastructural growth of the region and enhancing Chennai's profile on the international events map.
