Vijayawada is set to strengthen its position in India’s growing MICE landscape with the upcoming inauguration of a state-of-the-art convention centre at Ambedkar Smriti Vanam. Scheduled to be inaugurated on April 14, 2026, coinciding with Ambedkar Jayanti and likely by the Chief Minister, the facility marks a major milestone in the city’s infrastructure development.
Developed at an approximate cost of ₹90 crore by the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), the convention centre is part of the larger ₹404 crore Ambedkar Smriti Vanam project. The integrated development includes iconic attractions such as the Statue of Social Justice, an Ambedkar life experience centre, and other public amenities, positioning the site as both a cultural landmark and an events destination.
Spread across 13,479 square metres, the new convention centre is designed to cater to large-scale business and cultural gatherings. It features a 1,500-seat main auditorium, VIP lounges, executive suites, green rooms, and advanced audio-visual systems, ensuring it meets global standards for conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events. The venue also includes parking facilities for 370 cars and 250 two-wheelers, enhancing accessibility and event scalability.
The development is a strategic addition to Vijayawada’s event infrastructure. The facility is expected to host national and international conferences, exhibitions, government functions, and cultural programs, significantly boosting the city’s ability to attract large-scale events. It also addresses the growing demand for professionally designed venues in emerging Tier-2 cities.
Importantly, the convention centre is envisioned as a revenue-generating asset, with plans to lease the venue for MICE activities. This aligns with broader efforts to position Vijayawada as a competitive destination for business tourism, while driving economic activity, stakeholder engagement, and tourism growth in the region.
As infrastructure investments accelerate, the launch of this convention centre underscores Vijayawada’s ambition to emerge as a key MICE hub in southern India, bridging cultural tourism with business events and global connectivity.
