IITF to be held on a smaller scale this year: ITPO

The India International Trade Fair (IITF) will be held on a smaller scale this year owing to space constraints due to ongoing redevelopment work at Pragati Maidan, a senior official said.

"Yes the IITF will be held but the scale will be only 30 per cent of the usual. Last year also we had curtailed, that was almost 50 per cent," India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) Executive Director Deepak Kumar told PTI.

The IITF will be held between November 14-27.

Asked whether fewer businesses will be allotted stalls at the IITF this year, Kumar said: "Yes, obviously because the space is almost one fourth. We are giving priority to artisans, craftsmen, states and we will be cutting down on multi-nationals".

The ITPO is the nodal agency under the administrative control of the Commerce Ministry entrusted with the redevelopment of Pragati Maidan.

Kumar said efforts are being made to complete three new halls by March 2019 as part of the Integrated Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC).

"The Integrated Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre completion time is September 2019 but we are trying to start three halls by March next year and have already planned events (in these) from May 2019 onwards.

"So three new halls will be completed and the basement parking will be constructed, in addition to old six halls," he said.

Asked whether the ITPO was confident of meeting the IECC completion deadline of September 2019, Kumar replied in the affirmative. He said related infrastructure including outdoors, landscaping, etc. will also be ready by then.

Kumar also said that the Delhi Book Fair 2018 will be inaugurated by Minister of State for HRD Satya Pal Singh here on August 25, where over 120 exhibitors will display books, gift items, stationery and office automation products, etc.

ITPO's other concurrent events namely the Stationery Fair, Office Automation Fair and Corporate Gifts Fair will also be held between August 25-September 2.

"For the first time we have introduced online booking system for these events. Entry is also free this year," Kumar said.

However, he added that the book fair and allied events will be held on a smaller scale this year.

The IECC shall be developed with basement parking facility of 4,800 vehicles and comprehensive traffic decongestion interventions. The construction of an Integrated Transit Corridor Development Project is also underway to support the IECC.