Delhi is setting its sights on becoming a premier destination for events and concerts, aiming to significantly boost its tourism industry and overall economy. This vision was highlighted by Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra at the recent FICCI Frames Silver Jubilee Edition, where he emphasized the government's commitment to transforming the capital into a vibrant hub for live entertainment.
Mishra outlined new policies and initiatives designed to stimulate the concert economy, live entertainment sector, and the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) industries. These efforts are geared towards attracting both domestic and international events, fostering a thriving environment for artists and event organizers, and generating employment opportunities for the youth.
The minister also touched upon the importance of film policy and festivals in promoting Delhi as a cultural center. The upcoming Delhi International Film Festival is expected to be a key event in showcasing the city's potential and attracting filmmakers and enthusiasts from around the globe.
The Delhi government's focus aligns with a broader national initiative to promote India's live event and concert economy. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has been actively engaged in formal discussions to strengthen the sector, recognizing its potential to drive infrastructure development, employment, tourism, and cultural influence. In July 2025, the MIB formed a Joint Working Group (JWG) that includes representatives from central and state governments, industry associations, rights societies, and event companies, with the goal of positioning India among the top 5 global live entertainment destinations by 2030.
Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Sanjay Jaju, has emphasized the government's commitment to achieving this goal, noting the potential to generate 15-20 million jobs. The JWG is working to streamline processes, protect intellectual property, expand infrastructure, and provide financial support to the live entertainment industry.
One of the key initiatives under development is the revamp of the India Cine Hub website into a single-window clearance system for concert permissions. This is intended to simplify the process of organizing events in India, making it easier for event organizers to obtain the necessary permits and approvals. A beta version of the revamped website is expected to launch by the end of October 2025, ahead of the peak concert season.
The live entertainment sector in India is experiencing rapid growth. Valued at ₹20,861 crore in 2024, it is expanding at an annual rate of 15%, making it one of the fastest-growing segments of the media and entertainment industry. Factors contributing to this growth include rising demand in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities, the growth of music tourism, and demand for premium audience experiences.
Numerous global artists, including Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and Enrique Iglesias, have recently performed in India, signaling growing international interest in the Indian market. A joint FICCI-EY report projects 70-80 large-scale concert days this year, reflecting the strong demand for live entertainment.
The push to establish Delhi as an events and concert hub also involves infrastructure development and safety measures. The government is considering a model policy to encourage multi-use of stadiums and public spaces for live events, as well as promoting the development of new greenfield venues. Ensuring crowd safety and managing large gatherings effectively are also critical aspects of this vision, drawing lessons from past incidents and implementing measures such as AI-enabled CCTV cameras and drone surveillance systems.
