BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi commuters are already getting a taste of the traffic disruption expected during the BRICS Summit 2026, with motorcade rehearsals causing prolonged delays across several parts of the city.
Several commuters took to social media to report that journeys which normally take minutes were stretching into hours as traffic restrictions were imposed for the movement of VIP convoys.
The BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13. However, traffic restrictions linked to the movement of foreign delegations and dignitaries are expected to begin from September 10 and continue until around September 14, according to officials. The Delhi Traffic Police conducted a motorcade rehearsal on Wednesday evening,
regulating traffic at 22 identified diversion points between 7 pm and 10 pm. More than 35 roads are expected to be affected during the summit period.
With restrictions to be imposed or relaxed depending on VVIP movements, normal traffic may be temporarily diverted or halted to facilitate the movement of foreign delegations.
Noida, East Delhi And Dwarka Routes Among Key Trouble Spots
The impact is expected to be particularly pronounced for commuters travelling between Noida and central Delhi, as well as those travelling from east Delhi towards Pragati Maidan and other central areas.
Commuters travelling from Dwarka and west Delhi towards Dhaula Kuan, the airport and south Delhi are also likely to face diversions and congestion during VVIP movements.
South Delhi could see additional pressure because of the movement of the Egyptian delegation between its hotel in Saket and central Delhi. Traffic police had earlier flagged concerns over the route and suggested shifting the delegation’s accommodation to central Delhi to ease the impact on already congested stretches.
Controlled Areas: Roads Commuters Should Watch Out For
Traffic restrictions will affect a number of key roads in and around central and south Delhi. Commuters should check the Delhi Traffic Police advisory before setting out and avoid controlled areas wherever possible.
The identified controlled areas and affected stretches include:
- Mathura Road (Subramaniam Bharti Marg T-Point To Lodhi Road Flyover)
- Subramaniam Bharti Marg
- Shanti Path
- Satya Marg
- Firoze Shah Road
- Africa Avenue (between Bhikaji Cama Place and R/A Yashwant Place)
- Kemal Ataturk Marg
- APJ Abdul Kalam Road
- ‘C’ Hexagon
- Dr Zakir Hussain Marg
- Ashoka Road
- Prithvi Raj Road
- Kautilya Marg
- Tees January Marg
- Akbar Road
- Teen Murti Marg
- Mother Teresa Crescent
- Sardar Patel Marg
- Janpath
- Sardarjung Road
- Panchsheel Marg
- San Martin Marg
- Nyaya Marg
- Brig. Hoshiyar Singh Marg
- Rajesh Pilot Marg
- Purana Quila Road
- Sher Shah Suri Marg
- Tilak Marg
- Bhagwan Das Road
- Lodhi Road
- Neela Gumbad
- Kartavya Path
- Tughlak Road
The traffic police has also identified more than 35 roads that could experience restrictions, diversions or congestion during the summit period. Major affected routes include Mathura Road, Sardar Patel Marg, Shanti Path, Janpath, Ashoka Road, Barakhamba Road, Tolstoy Marg, Africa Avenue Road, Niti Marg, Panchsheel Marg and APJ Abdul Kalam Road.
22 Diversion Points To Regulate Traffic
Traffic will be regulated at 22 identified diversion points during motorcade rehearsals and VVIP movements. The restrictions are not expected to remain constant throughout the day. Traffic officials said roads could be opened or closed depending on the movement of foreign delegations and VVIP convoys.
This means commuters travelling through the affected areas could face sudden diversions or temporary stoppages even if a route is normally open.
Airport And Railway Passengers Advised To Leave Early
People travelling to airports, railway stations and inter-state bus terminals have been advised to leave well in advance and factor additional travel time into their journeys.
The Metro has been recommended wherever possible as an alternative to road travel. Metro services are expected to remain operational at all stations.
Passengers with flights or trains to catch have been particularly urged not to leave their journeys until the last minute, given the possibility of temporary road closures during VVIP movements.
Online Maps To Reflect Restrictions In Real Time
To help commuters navigate the disruption, traffic police officials have held meetings with online map service providers. The platforms will coordinate with the traffic police during the summit and incorporate restrictions, diversions and alternate routes in real time, allowing commuters to identify affected roads and possible alternatives.
Commuters have been advised to check their navigation apps shortly before leaving rather than relying solely on their usual routes.
Cab Pick-Ups And Drop-Offs May Be Affected
Online cab aggregators have also been alerted about the restrictions. Traffic officials have advised cab companies not to keep pick-up or drop-off points within restricted or controlled areas during VVIP movements.
Passengers using taxis and app-based cabs may therefore need to walk to designated pick-up points outside restricted stretches, depending on the traffic situation at the time of travel.
Bus Routes May Be Diverted
Bus services may also be diverted during the movement of dignitaries.
While road-based public transport could face route changes or temporary restrictions, Metro services will remain operational at all stations, making the Metro one of the preferred options for commuters travelling through affected areas.
Parking Restrictions Near Controlled Roads
Roadside parking within 200 metres of roads under traffic restrictions will not be permitted.
Motorists have been advised to use designated parking facilities and avoid leaving vehicles along roads likely to be affected by VVIP movements.
The restriction is intended to keep key corridors clear and allow security and traffic personnel to manage the movement of motorcades.
Nearly 4,800 Traffic Personnel Deployed
The Delhi Traffic Police has prepared an elaborate traffic-management plan for the movement of heads of state, foreign delegations and other dignitaries.
Nearly 4,800 traffic personnel have been deployed as part of the summit arrangements.
Officials said traffic restrictions would be imposed or relaxed according to the movement of VVIP convoys, with traffic being diverted or temporarily halted wherever necessary.
Police Appeal To Residents, Traders And RWAs
Ahead of the summit, Delhi Police has appealed to citizens, residents, traders, hotel operators, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and visitors to cooperate with security and traffic personnel.
The New Delhi District Police has urged residents and other stakeholders to remain vigilant, follow official advisories and cooperate with personnel deployed for security and traffic management. The police said the BRICS Summit is a major international event being hosted in the National Capital and appealed to everyone to help maintain a safe, secure and orderly environment.
The appeal is also aimed at RWAs and residential communities, particularly those located in or near areas that could experience restrictions or increased security activity.
Delhi Police’s Public Appeal
Delhi Police has urged the public to:
- Remain vigilant.
- Follow official traffic and security advisories.
- Cooperate with security and traffic personnel.
- Avoid restricted or controlled areas wherever possible.
- Plan journeys in advance and allow additional travel time.
- Use the Metro wherever practical.
- Help maintain a safe, secure and welcoming New Delhi.
The message from the police is clear: public cooperation will be crucial as the capital manages the movement of international delegations.
Before Delhi Moves, Delhi Checks
The Delhi Traffic Police’s public messaging for BRICS Summit 2026 is centred on the advice: ‘Before Delhi Moves, Delhi Checks.’ The summit-related traffic advisory covers September 11-13, with commuters being warned that their usual journeys may be different during the period.
Those crossing a controlled area, looking for an alternate route, travelling to catch a train or heading to the airport are advised to check the latest traffic advisory before leaving.
The police has specifically highlighted the need for commuters to know:
- Roads to avoid
- Routes to take
- Diversions
- Railway routes
- Airport routes
🌍 BRICS SUMMIT 2026 | BEFORE DELHI MOVES, DELHI CHECKS.
11–13 September
🚗 Crossing a Controlled Area?
↪️ Looking for an alternate route?
🚆 Train to catch?
✈️ Flight to board?
Your journey may be different. Your destination doesn’t have to be.
👀 JUST GO THROUGH THE PICS.
They… pic.twitter.com/GUb2QPYfl2— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) September 9, 2026
Commuters have been urged to keep extra travel time in hand and check the Delhi Traffic Police advisory before starting their journey.
Traffic Helpline And WhatsApp Number
For traffic-related assistance and updates, commuters can contact the Delhi Traffic Police through:
- Traffic Helpline: 1095
- WhatsApp: 8750871493
Wednesday’s Rehearsal Gives Commuters A Taste Of What Lies Ahead
For daily commuters, Wednesday’s motorcade rehearsal has already offered a preview of the disruption that could accompany the summit. The three-hour rehearsal, which involved traffic regulation at 22 diversion points, resulted in prolonged delays and complaints from commuters who found themselves spending hours on journeys that would normally take considerably less time.
With restrictions expected across multiple days and VVIP movements determining when particular roads are opened, closed or diverted, commuters are being advised to plan ahead rather than wait for congestion to build.
As Delhi prepares to host the BRICS Summit, the message from traffic officials and police is straightforward: check the advisory before leaving, avoid controlled areas where possible, allow extra time and use public transport, particularly the Metro, for journeys through affected parts of the city.
