Stop, shop, go

As traffic jams get longer and longer, traffic signals in Delhi become a business hot spot. Here’s a look at some of the cool stuff you can find the next time you’re stuck in an endless jam.

As traffic jams get longer and longer, traffic signals in Delhi become a business hot spot. Here’s a look at some of the cool stuff you can find the next time you’re stuck in an endless jam. Don’t forget to bargain!

Flower bouquets
What: Bunches of roses in every colour
Available at: Mostly sold at traffic intersection near Adhchini, Munirka and IIT flyover.
Price quoted: Rs 120 for a dozen roses
After bargaining: Rs 50
Best for: Your girlfriend when you’re running late

Spiderman stick-ons
What: Stick-on cut out of popular super heroes.
Available at: Most red lights, including the one at Rajghat and the one near Chirag Dilli flyover.
Price quoted: Rs 40
After bargaining: Rs 25
Best for: Decorating your room

Flower pots
What: Plastic flower pots with cute sunflowers and bees. Solar powered, the flowers bob up and down depending on the sunlight
Available at: Most red lights, including ITO crossing and near Patel Nagar metro station.
Price quoted: Rs 120
After bargaining: Rs 50
Best for: The dashboard of your car

Calculators
What: Made-in-China Calculators
Available at: Red lights near IIT flyover and BRT corridor
Price quoted: Rs 450
After bargaining: Rs 180
Best for: These cheap but durable calculators are handy to keep in your backpack.

Cartoon posters
What: Stick-on posters of cartoon characters and pop icons such as Hannah Montana.
Available at: Rajghat Traffic intersection, Noida sector 14 Traffic signal.
Price quoted: Rs 50
After bargaining: R 40
Best for: Decorating rooms of children

Airplanes
What: Plastic airplanes
Available at: Red lights at ITO crossing, BRT Corridor and Lodhi road intersection.
Price quoted: Rs 50
After bargaining: Rs 30 per piece
Best for: The dashboard or your collection of toys

Coconut slices
What: Fresh coconut slices, served chilled
Available at: Most red lights, including ITO crossing, Rajghat intersection and Dilli Gate traffic
light amongst others.
Price quoted: Rs 5 per piece
After bargaining: Rs 5 per piece
Best for: Munching while waiting at the traffic signals (though we can’t vouch for their hygiene).

Rotating monkeys
What: Battery-operated musical dancing monkey
Available at: Red lights at Rajghat and Pragati Maidan
Price quoted: Rs 200
After bargaining: Rs 100
Best for: These toys are an appropriate gift for children.

Toy cars
What: Red hot toy cars
Available at: Barakhamba red light
Price quoted: Rs 80
After bargaining: Rs 50
Best for: Gift them to someone who loves collecting dinky cars.