New Delhi: As many as 1.4 million people are
expected to throng the fortnight-long India International
Trade Fair (IIFT), kicking off at Pragati Maidan here from
November 14.
The first five days of the trade fair would be reserved
for business and trade visitors. The 31st edition of the
annual IITF will open for the general public from November 19
to 27.
Over 6,000 exhibitors from India and abroad, showcasing a
range of products, will take part in the fair.
Traffic restrictions would come into force around Pragati
Maidan. Vehicles will be allowed to park at Ashpond, Delhi
Zoo, Bhairon Road, Pragati Maidan Metro Station and Purana
Quila, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) Chairman-
cum-Managing Director Rajeev Kher told reporters here.
Elaborate security arrangements, including close-circuit
TVs, have been made, he said. X-ray baggage scanners will be
available at all entry points.
Twenty-seven states and Union Territories, besides PSUs
like Khadi and Village Industries Commission, National Small
Industries Corporation, National Mission on Bamboo and Housing
and Housing and Urban Development Corporation will be among
the participants.
While West Bengal and Jharkhand are the "partner States"
this year, Bihar and Orissa have been branded as "focus
States". The theme for this year’s event is `Indian
Handicrafts- the magic of the gifted hands`.
No international partner has been named this year. Kher
said, " there is no compulsion to have a foreign partner every
year".
Fair tickets would be available at all metro rail
stations (DMRC). The entry into the fair will be between 9.30
AM and 7.30 PM. Senior citizens and physically-challenged will
be given free entry into the fair.
PTI
