Gurugram, Oct. 18 -- The joy of festive gifting this Diwali has turned into a logistical test of patience for many. With the festival rush choking major intersections such as Subhash Chowk and Iffco Chowk, companies and traders supplying corporate gifts are turning to technology to beat the traffic. Route optimisation tools, predictive traffic mapping, and courier load balancing are now as essential to festive logistics as wrapping paper and ribbons, corporate gifters said on Friday. Traders who handle bulk orders from private firms for their employees said delivery partners often lose hours in snarls at key junctions, delaying shipments and inflating costs. To navigate the festive congestion, many have begun using route-planning software and real-time load management systems. "Festive seasons bring heavy road traffic and shipment surges, but with the right planning, those challenges become opportunities," said Zaiba Sarang, co-founder of iThink Logistics. According to her, gifting companies now rely on predictive traffic insights to minimise delays. "We plan in advance and with the right courier load during dispatches, timely deliveries are ensured even when city roads are jam-packed. It's not about avoiding chaos, it's about anticipating it," Sarang added. Anuj Sharma, who runs Customized Premiums and Promotions, said corporate gifting inquiries jump by 400-500% during the festive season. "Timely delivery is crucial to ensure there are no operational gaps. However, due to traffic jams, many times it becomes challenging to deliver gifts in bulk," Sharma acknowledged. Traders said a single corporate order can involve thousands of gift packs, sometimes for companies with over 5,000 employees, making efficiency crucial. A courier aggregator noted that delivery demand nearly doubles during the festive period, prompting firms to expand capacity by 30-40% through additional routes, delivery associates, and pickup schedules. But smaller businesses feel the pinch. Kavita Singh, who runs Kavita's Kitchenette in Sector 49, said she depends on porters to deliver nearly 100 sweet boxes a day. "We plan two weeks in advance to gauge demand, but porter services are expensive, Rs.70 for nearby orders. There's no cheaper option," she said. Residents, too, are weighed down by traffic. "Festive commuting is unbearable. Strengthening public transport can help reduce congestion. People should support local and underprivileged sellers instead of luxury brands," said Sunil Sareen, of Imperial Gardens RWA....