43rd International Trade Fair kicks off at Bharat Mandapam
The much-anticipated India International Trade Fair (IITF), 2024, was inaugurated virtually by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, on Thursday.
The 43rd edition of the flagship event, organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), will run for the next 13 days, concluding on November 27.
Goyal suggested the ITPO to consider holding two annual editions of the trade fair and make it biannually. He suggested an additional edition focusing on ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. “We could look at June for an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ Utsav next year to reflect India’s growing technical strength and global engagement,” Goyal said.
He also suggested expanding India’s trade fair model internationally, targeting regions like the US, Europe, Japan, Korea and the Middle East.
This year’s theme, ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’, aligns with the vision of India’s progress towards becoming a developed nation. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are participating as partner states, while Jharkhand has been designated as the focus state. Over 33 states and union territories, along with 49 Central Ministries, PSUs and reputed private companies, including Titan, Jindal Steel and Power, JSW Steel and Woodland, are participating.
The event has also drawn international interest, with 11 countries — including China, Egypt, Iran, South Korea and the UAE — setting up stalls. While Thailand, Afghanistan, Türkiye and UAE have already started operations, the remaining stalls will open as the event progresses.
The IITF, 2024, business days are scheduled from November 14 to 18, with general public access from November 19 to 27. Senior citizens with valid proof and Divyangjan can enjoy free entry. Tickets are available at 55 DMRC Metro stations (excluding Supreme Court Metro Station), the Bharat Mandapam mobile app, DMRC’s Momentum 2.0 Delhi Sarthi app and official websites. Business day tickets are priced at Rs 500 for adults and Rs 200 for children, while tickets for general public days cost Rs 80 for adults and Rs 40 for children. Weekend tickets are set at Rs 150 for adults and Rs 60 for children.
The venue, spread across 1,07,000 sq m, features newly constructed halls and offers easy access via entry gates 3 and 5 on Bhairon Marg, and 6 and 10 on Mathura Road. The fair will open daily from 10 am to 7.30 pm.
To enhance visitor convenience, Goyal launched the Bharat Mandapam Navigation app, which provides hall locations, detailed stall information and directions.
In light of the anticipated footfall, the Delhi Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory, warning of congestion on roads near Pragati Maidan, including Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg, Ring Road and Shershah Road. Visitors are advised to use public transportation to ease traffic.
