Queensland Premier Anna Bligh is set to travel to India in the coming days to see if the idea of the Gold Coast hosting the Commonwealth Games is a possibility.

The Premier will discuss with games officials in India as she starts a trade trip, with the capital Delhi being her first stop on her schedule.

Ms Bligh claimed that hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast could cost around $1 billion.

The Premier told Parliament the city is an ideal location for the event although new modern facilities would be required for the 2018 Games.

Ms Bligh said that submitting such a proposal to host the games is an important decision for Government and not one that might be taken lightly.

She added that the initial estimates indicate costs nearing $970 million over the next 10 years to prepare for and host the games, including the expenditure related to a new infrastructure.

Ms Bligh claims the Queensland Government has developed plans for Gold Coast’s involvement in the Games, including ideas for a new velodrome and an athlete’s village.

Parliament is schedule to make a final decision on whether the Gold Coast bid will be made early next year, but the Games would bring immense economic benefits.

Ms Bligh said that it has been estimated that the Games would generate more than 30,000 positions through a broad range of industries.