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Travellers in New Delhi are facing traffic restrictions and route diversions as India hosts the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on September 12 and 13. The movement of international leaders and high-level delegations has prompted enhanced security arrangements and regulated traffic across several important roads in the capital.
The Delhi Traffic Police has imposed restrictions from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on September 12, with more than 35 roads affected and 22 diversion points being used to manage traffic during VIP and VVIP movements. The areas around Bharat Mandapam, where the summit is being held, are among the most closely regulated zones.
Airport and Railway Travel Affected
The restrictions are particularly important for passengers travelling to or from Indira Gandhi International Airport and Delhi's major railway stations. Travellers have been advised to allow additional time for their journeys and check traffic conditions before leaving.
For airport passengers, authorities have recommended using the Delhi Metro wherever possible. Alternative road corridors, including Ring Road and RTR Marg, can also be used depending on the traveler's location.
Passengers travelling through New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations are also being advised to plan their routes carefully because road access around central Delhi may be regulated during movements of summit delegates.
Security Measures Drive Traffic Controls
The travel restrictions form part of a wider security operation for the summit. More than 15,000 Delhi Police personnel, around 200 companies of Central Armed Police Forces and more than 100 NSG commandos have been deployed as part of the security arrangements.
“Delhi Police has made extensive arrangements, keeping in mind the security of all dignitaries and ensuring minimum inconvenience to the public.” - Manish Kumar Agrawal, Special Commissioner of Police (Protective Security), Delhi Police
He also urged Delhi residents to follow the temporary restrictions and traffic advisories issued for the summit.
Metro Recommended for Travellers
With several major roads under regulated movement, public transport is being positioned as an important alternative for commuters and visitors. Delhi Police has advised people to use the Metro wherever feasible and follow designated diversion routes and instructions from traffic personnel.
The Delhi Metro will also begin services at 6 a.m. on Sunday, September 13, across all corridors to support examination candidates and the general public during the summit period.
For tourists, business travellers and residents travelling through Delhi this weekend, checking the latest traffic advisory before departure will be important. The temporary restrictions are expected to remain part of the city's travel environment as security teams manage the movement of international delegations.
With the BRICS summit bringing leaders from major emerging economies to New Delhi, the city is balancing the demands of a major international event with the need to keep everyday travel moving as smoothly as possible.
