Monster truck from Belarus awes visitors at fair

On a slightly chilly Wednesday afternoon as visitors entered Pragati Maidan, a "monster" was waiting for them.

On a slightly chilly Wednesday afternoon as visitors entered Pragati Maidan, a "monster" was waiting for them.

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It inspired awe as thousands throughout the day saw the huge dump truck from Belarus parked near Hall No. 18, which had been brought to be a part of the 32nd Indian International Trade Fair, a 14-day fiesta for which people of the city wait all year.

"It's huge. I've never seen a vehicle that big in my life," a police constable on duty said, as he stared at the yellow dump truck that has the payload capacity of around 200,000kg.

According to an official involved with the Belarus contingent, four of these monster trucks have been bought by an Indian trading company, which has already sold one to a Madhya Pradesh-based firm. "People are really interested and curious. This is a vehicle which is specifically for operating in mines. It's powerful yet economical," he said.

The Prime Minister of Belarus, Mikhail V Myasnikovich, who was the guest of honour at the opening ceremony — the fair was inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee — also inaugurated the Belarusian pavilion. He said his country was showcasing its products and expertise, particularly in the field of heavy industries.

Only business and trade visitors will be allowed to visit the fair on the first five days, after which the consumer extravaganza will begin and continue till November 27.