Where the area of Pragati Maidan stands today once served as the Capital’s exhibition ground, and hosted many international events, including the World Agriculture Fair in 1959, which was inaugurated by the then US President Dwight D Eisenhower.

Later, the government of India decided to build an events venue at the spot, and architect Raj Rewal designed the original layout of the complex, which was inaugurated in November 1972 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The iconic Hall of Nations was the venue of Asia 1972, the third Asian International Trade Fair, coinciding with the India’s silver jubilee year of Independence.

In the year 1980, Pragati Maidan hosted its first India International Trade Fair, and with the gradual addition of more halls and state pavilions, the event has grown into a major tourist attraction.

But now the Pragati Maidan of once upon a time has been redeveloped which a convention centre, which was floated ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

ITPO conceptualised the comprehensive International Exhibition and Convention Centre (IECC) project in December 2015, and the Union cabinet approved it in 2017.

Under the proposal, the Hall of Nations and four other halls were to be demolished, sparking outrage among heritage conservationists and city residents.

Eventually, however, the revamped Pragati Maidan complex project was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July this year, and the G20 Summit was held at the Bharat Mandapam centre on September 9 and 10.