JOIN USAt least 15 lakh visitors are expected to throng the India International Trade Fair, where over 6,000 exhibitors will showcase a variety of products at Pragati Maidan starting November 14.
Last year, the 14-day-long exhibition saw 14 lakh footfalls. This year, the entry ticket rate for adults is Rs 50 — increased by Rs 10 since last year — and Rs 30 for children on weekdays.
On weekends, tickets for adults will cost Rs 80 and for children Rs 50.
“We increased ticket prices this year as inflation has gone up, and everything has become expensive,” said India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) chairperson Rita Menon.
Ease long queue
To ease long queues, tickets will be available at all Metro stations, besides gate number 1 and 2 at Pragati Maidan. Entry is free for senior citizens and physically challenged persons, she said.
The first five days of the fair will be reserved for business and trade visitors.
The 32nd edition of the annual IITF will be open for the public from November 19 to 27, between 9.30 am and 7.30 pm. This year’s theme is ‘Skilling India’ — projecting the performance of the Central government and state ministries.
Belarus has been accorded ‘partner country’ status, while South Africa is the ‘focus country’. President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the fair, and the guest of honour is Belarus Prime Minister Mikhail V Myasnikovich.
At least 437 foreign exhibitors from Russia, South Africa, Canada and Pakistan will showcase their products. Last year, 230 foreign exhibitors participated in the fair.
To ease traffic congestion on Mathura Road, the protocol lounge for VIPs, and foreign and business delegates has been shifted to gate number 1 (Bhairon Road) from gate number 3 and 4 earlier.
Parking will be allowed at Ashpond, Delhi Zoo, Sarai Kale Khan, Pragati Maidan gate number 2 and Sunhari Pula (Dayal Singh College). “For the convenience of commuters, parking facility is available at these locations. From here they can take free shuttle service to the venue,” said Menon.