Two days ahead of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, 2017, the annual global convention for the Indian diaspora, to be held in Bengaluru from January 7 to 9, preparations are in full swing at the venue with workers giving finishing touches. Tourism Minister R.V. Deshpande, who visited the venue to assess the preparation, directed officials to work 24/7 to finish the work so that everything was ready in time for the programme.
Fourteen States including Karnataka, Kerala, Assam, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh would be putting up stalls at the exhibition. Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs said that over 6,000 registrations had been made for the event, and that all steps were being taken to ensure a hassle free stay for the delegates. "ATM kiosks and bank counters opened at the venue so that the delegates do not face any problems," said an official.
'Let the city look beautiful'
Mr. Deshpande directed BBMP, BDA and NHAI officials to spruce up the roads in the city, remove pamphlets and paint the pillars under the Hebbal flyover.
Helipads ready
Four helipads have been constructed at the venue with a connecting road for VIPs. Another helipad has been built for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival close to the main exhibition hall.