India

Delhi Traffic Police Issues Guidelines Ahead of BRICS Summit 2026

By Akriti Anand

Commuters planning to travel through New Delhi or to the airport this weekend should prepare for traffic restrictions as the city hosts the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13. World leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, are expected to attend the event at Bharat Mandapam. To manage the movement of dignitaries and ensure public safety, the Delhi Traffic Police has imposed curbs on vehicle movement from September 11 to September 13. To reduce confusion, the police have released a set of Frequently Asked Questions addressing common commuter concerns during this period. According to the police, delegates attending the summit will stay at nine hotels across the city, and roads surrounding these hotels—including Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Marg, and Mathura Road—will face traffic restrictions. Twenty-two diversion points have been identified to help guide commuters toward alternative routes during VIP convoy movements. For those traveling to the airport or railway stations, the traffic advisory outlines affected roads, diversion points, alternate routes, and available public transport options, including the Delhi Metro. Passengers with flights scheduled between September 11 and 13 have been advised to check their routes in advance, be aware of diversions, and allow extra time for travel. The police also recommended using the Metro where possible and following instructions from traffic personnel to avoid missing flights. To assist commuters, the Delhi Traffic Police can be reached at 1095, or via WhatsApp at 8750871493. In preparation for the summit, police officials met with representatives from major taxi aggregators such as Ola, Uber, Bharat Taxi, and Rapido. These companies have been informed that no pick-up or drop-off services will be allowed within restricted zones, and drivers will be directed to use alternative routes instead. Real-time traffic advisories will also be integrated with navigation platforms like Google Maps and Mappls, allowing users to receive live updates throughout the event. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has been briefed on the traffic plan and has been asked to prepare its own diversion strategy. DTC buses will continue to operate on permitted routes between September 11 and 13, with necessary diversions in restricted zones. Authorities have also warned that temporary traffic restrictions may be imposed in specific areas if foreign heads of state, their spouses, or delegates make unscheduled visits to markets or public landmarks in the city. In such cases, the public will be redirected through alternate routes, and updates will be issued accordingly. While restrictions apply to non-essential vehicles, essential commodity vehicles will continue to be allowed entry into Delhi through designated border checkpoints. The police have also assured that a strict protocol remains in place to handle medical emergencies during the summit period, ensuring that access for emergency services will not be hindered.