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Monday, October 26, 2009

Pragati Maidan in dilemma over Common Wealth Games


India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) has rejected a plea by Prasar Bharti on behalf of Common Wealth Games Federation to advance the handing over of Pragati Maidan precincts by three months next year.

At least 20 International Fairs are scheduled to be held at Pragati Maidan between January and March 2010, including annual trade fairs such as the Auto Expo 2010, International Book Fair and Defence Expo.

ITPO has written to Prasar Bharti in a letter, that it would not be possible to advance the date as that would result in non compliance of contractual obligations and create legal hassles.

“ We will lose out on revenue from our long standing customers,' said Safdar Khan, Senior General Manager, ITPO. The biennial Auto Expo, for example, is the only international level fair for the automotive industry int he country and is one of the biggest money spinners for ITPO.

During last year's Auto Expo in January which saw the high profile unveiling of Tata Nano, a record 1.8 million visitors and generated business of over Rs 20,000 crore for the industry.

Although the Common Wealth Games Secretariat has booked five of the 19 exhibition halls at Pragati Maidan, “ it would take at least 50 per cent of our operational space”, sad Safdar Khan.

The ITPO has ruled out shifting of it's regular trade fairs during Common Wealth Games from Pragati Maidan to either Greater Noida or a Delhi suburb near Airport, stating “ all over the wolrd exhibitions are held in down towns”.

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