Karnataka Mulls ‘Karnataka Mandapam’ on Lines of Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam: Shivakumar

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said the state government was considering constructing a ‘Karnataka Mandapam’ on the lines of Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, signalling a broader push to expand Bengaluru’s convention, events and tourism infrastructure.

The proposed facility could come up at Jakkur, Mysuru Lamps or NGEF premises, with proximity to a Metro station among the factors being considered, Shivakumar said while inaugurating the first Karnataka Tourism Awards at Palace Grounds on World Tourism Day. The proposal is part of the government’s efforts to leverage Karnataka’s natural, cultural and heritage assets while creating infrastructure capable of hosting major events, exhibitions and entertainment programmes.

Shivakumar also said the government was considering establishing a convention centre in Bengaluru, with the proposal expected to be discussed with the Karnataka State Cricket Association next week. He said BookMyShow had discussed organising 25 to 30 shows a year in Bengaluru, including international acts such as Coldplay.

The proposed convention infrastructure could strengthen Bengaluru’s position as a destination for business events, conferences, exhibitions and large-scale cultural programmes, while potentially generating demand for hotels, transport, hospitality and related services.

The chief minister said Karnataka had not fully utilised its 360-km coastline and announced that the government had approved the Coastal Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy-2026 to tap the natural and cultural wealth of coastal and Malnad regions. Under the policy, tourism projects would receive ‘industry and infrastructure status’, while the state would seek the Centre’s support on issues arising from Coastal Regulation Zone rules.

Shivakumar said tourism promotion in Kodagu and Malnad would have to balance economic opportunities with environmental and cultural protection. The government is also considering Asia's tallest sky deck through a public-private partnership and has proposed the ‘Mangaluru Eye’, a Dubai-style sky tower. Shivakumar stressed that guides and taxi drivers should be recognised as ambassadors of tourism, underscoring the government’s focus on combining infrastructure development with visitor experience and local participation.