Delhi is bracing for major traffic restrictions as India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam from September 11 to 13, with the main Leaders’ Summit scheduled for September 12-13. The Delhi Traffic Police has identified more than 35 roads and 22 diversion points that could see regulated movement as security arrangements are put in place for visiting leaders and delegations.
Commuters travelling to Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station have been given alternative routes and advised to leave early, allow extra travel time and use the Metro wherever possible.
The police has stressed that traffic arrangements may change at short notice depending on VVIP movement and security requirements. The latest advisory is particularly important for passengers with fixed flight or train timings, as temporary convoy restrictions could affect journey times.
Security Drives Traffic Curbs
The extensive restrictions are part of a large security operation around the summit, which will bring leaders and senior representatives of BRICS member and partner countries to New Delhi.
According to The Indian Express, around 25,000 security personnel, including more than 100 NSG commandos, have been deployed, with anti-drone systems and security arrangements covering 11 major hotels. Authorities have also conducted repeated motorcade rehearsals ahead of the event.
The Delhi Traffic Police has identified key corridors including Mathura Road, Sardar Patel Marg, Janpath, Shanti Path, Akbar Road, Ashoka Road, Africa Avenue, Dr Zakir Hussain Marg and several others for traffic regulation. However, the roads are not expected to remain continuously closed.
Instead, movement can be temporarily stopped or diverted when VVIP convoys pass through. In a recent social-media advisory, the Delhi Traffic Police told airport passengers to “plan, leave early, reach on time” and recommended using the Metro wherever convenient.
Routes For Stations, Airport
For passengers travelling to New Delhi Railway Station, the police has suggested approaches through Boulevard Road-Rani Jhansi Marg-Panchkuian Road, Ring Road-Raj Ghat-JLN Marg, and Vande Mataram Marg-Dr Ambedkar Marg-Panchkuian Road.
For Old Delhi Railway Station, alternatives include Ring Road-Hanuman Mandir-S.P. Mukherjee Marg and routes through Rani Jhansi Marg, Rani Jhansi Flyover and Boulevard Road. Passengers heading to Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station can use the AIIMS-Ring Road-Ashram Chowk-Mathura Road corridor or approach through ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Ring Road and Raj Ghat.
Airport passengers have been specifically advised to prefer the Metro. Those travelling by road have been given alternative corridors depending on their starting point, including routes from Gurugram, Dwarka, South Delhi, West Delhi and North and East Delhi.
The airport itself has also increased preparedness for the summit: Delhi International Airport Limited has repurposed Pier C at Terminal 3 for international operations, increasing T3’s international capacity by 50%. DIAL CEO Pradeep Panicker said extensive coordination was underway with agencies including CISF, BCAS, airlines and customs to manage the expected increase in international traffic.
Plan Ahead, Expect Changes
Traffic restrictions are not new to Delhi commuters this week. Motorcade rehearsals earlier in September have already triggered diversions affecting more than 35 roads and 22 points, with authorities repeatedly asking people to avoid affected stretches, use public transport and allow additional travel time.
The official Delhi Traffic Police advisory for September 11-13 also provides the latest route information and lists its traffic helpline as 1095, alongside a WhatsApp number, 8750871493, for traffic-related assistance.
The summit is also a significant diplomatic moment for India. The Ministry of External Affairs says India’s 2026 BRICS chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with a focus on strengthening cooperation among member and partner countries and discussing regional and global issues. While the security arrangements are necessary for an event involving world leaders, their impact will inevitably be felt by ordinary residents trying to commute, work or travel through the capital.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Hosting an international summit of this scale is an important moment for India, but global diplomacy should not come at the cost of making everyday citizens feel stranded or uninformed. The Delhi Traffic Police’s decision to publish alternative routes and repeatedly urge commuters to plan ahead is therefore welcome, particularly for people travelling for medical appointments, work, education or time-sensitive journeys. At the same time, clear, timely and accessible communication will be essential as traffic arrangements can change depending on security requirements.
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