History

One Man’s Vision Transforming Lives of Millions

About Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya

Sir. Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1861–1962) was a renowned Indian engineer, statesman, and visionary, celebrated for his pioneering contributions to engineering and nation-building. 

Born in Muddenahalli, Karnataka, he designed the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam, revolutionized irrigation, and introduced innovative flood control systems, including automatic sluice gates. 

As the Diwan of Mysore (1912–1918), he transformed the state through advancements in industry, infrastructure, and education, establishing institutions like the University of Mysore. Knighted in 1915 and awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1955, his legacy continues, with his birthday, September 15, celebrated as Engineers' Day in India.

Sir M. Visvesvaraya was one of the pioneers in India to recognize the importance of research and development for industrial growth. His vision was to establish a research-driven international center for industry and trade that would foster innovation and industrial progress by connecting domestic industries to the global market. 

About MVIRDC

The M. Visvesvaraya Industrial Research and Development Centre (MVIRDC) is the promoter body of India's premier trade promotion organization, World Trade Center Mumbai (WTC Mumbai). The organisation is named after eminent engineer, educationist, industrialist, public administrator and banker Bharat Ratna Sir Dr. Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya

Recognizing research and trade facilitation as the cornerstones of industrial growth, Dr. Visvesvaraya envisioned the establishment of a world-class industrial research and trade promotion organization at the commercial capital of India. To bring his vision to life, MVIRDC was established on June 26, 1970 in Mumbai. The organization’s first president was Mr. S.K. Wankhede, Former Industries Minister, Government of Maharashtra. On July 1, 1970, MVIRDC’s agreement with the World Trade Centers Association, New York came into effect.

Iconic Twin Towers of WTC Mumbai

On January 14, 1978, an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar, Arcade Shopping Complex, the first phase of WTC Mumbai's iconic real estate project at Cuffe Parade was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Honourable Shri Morarji Desai. The entire project features the Arcade, 32-story Center 1 Tower and the 24-story Center 2 - IDBI, spread across 48,025 sq m. The Center 1 Tower was completed in October 1988 and the Center 2 – IDBI was completed by April 1989. The Center 2 – IDBI was inaugurated by Mr. S.B. Chavan, Hon’ble Finance Minister of India, during the financial year 1988–89.

WTC Milestones

Since its inception, WTC Mumbai has emerged as an effective vehicle for promotion of trade and investment in the country. It has continued to serve as an umbrella to all agencies connected with international trade as well as business knowhow and expertise, providing centralized services and facilities to promote trade. Today, WTC Mumbai stands tall- a symbol of common endeavour for the common good. Research and Development (R&D) being the backbone of industrial growth. Dr. Visvesvaraya was keen on establishing an R&D facility for Indian industry and economy.

2022

December 20

WTC Mumbai gets awarded the premier accreditation by WTCA, New York across four categories, viz. Trade Development, Commercial Real Estate & Services, Business & Member Services and Conference & Exhibition Services. (getting awarded the certificate).

2015

August 29

Inauguration of World Trade Center Goa at the hands of then Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Laxmikant Parsekar

2015

March 16

Inauguration of World Trade Center Jaipur by then Hon’ble Minister for Industries, NRIs and Sports of Rajasthan, Shri Gajendra Singh Khimsar.

2014

July 08

Inauguration of World Trade Center Bhubaneswar by then Hon'ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri. Naveen Patnaik. (Ch 5, Pg 35)

2005

April 03

WTC Mumbai hosted the WTCA Spring Meet 2005 on the theme ‘Development through Trade’. The Meet made significant contribution to India’s foreign trade and economy and enhanced WTC Mumbai’s prestige as an important trade promotion organization.

1988

November 14

WTC Mumbai first received the honour to host a WTCA General Assembly on the theme ‘International Trade: The Silent Language of Global Integration’. More than 400 delegates from over 50 countries participated in the event.

1989

September 12

Construction of Commerce Centers 1 and 2 were complete. Center 1, the 32-storey building was considered the tallest in the country until very recently. It is a symbol of the Center’s approach in rising above, looking out and beyond to international understanding.

1978

January 14

RED-LETTER DAY - India’s Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Morarji Desai, who had flown into the city especially for the ceremony, unveiled the plaque dedicating the first World Trade Centre to the nation. Overwhelmed by pride, the Centre’s Founder-President S. K. Wankhede gave an impassioned speech tracing the Centre’s journey and the contributions made by the Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra and business and industry.

1970

July 01

World Trade Center Mumbai became a member of the World Trade Centers Association, New York, a prestigious global network serving the cause of international trade worldwide.

1970

June 26

M. Visvesvaraya Industrial Research and Development Center (MVIRDC) came into existence and was registered under the Indian Companies Act,1956 under section 25 as a not-for-profit company.