Full Breakdown
Delhi Traffic Restrictions for the 2026 BRICS Summit
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The Delhi Traffic Police imposed road diversions and movement controls across central and south Delhi for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on September 12-13, 2026. Restrictions covered more than 35 major roads and were enforced at 22 diversion points to secure VVIP routes and keep emergency-service access open.
Background & Context
India hosted the two-day summit at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, with leaders from the BRICS bloc and partner nations. Security preparations involved roughly 15,000 Delhi Police officers, 200 paramilitary units and over 500 CCTV cameras equipped with facial-recognition and number-plate reading.
Data & Statistics
- Roads affected: >35 corridors, including Mathura Road, Sardar Patel Marg, Teen Murti Marg, Janpath, Ashoka Road, Ring Road.
- Diversion points: 22 junctions such as Dr Dinesh Nandini Dalmia Chowk and Patel Chowk.
- Security personnel: ~15,000 police officers plus 200 paramilitary units.
- Surveillance assets: >500 CCTV units.
- VVIP movements: 70-80 per day, each requiring separate traffic regulation.
Official Statements & Responses
Delhi Police stressed that the city would not shut down; normal traffic would continue where security permitted. Commuters were urged to use the Metro, plan journeys ahead and follow traffic personnel. Emergency and essential-service vehicles received priority, and roadside parking within 200 m of controlled roads was prohibited.
On-the-Ground Reports
A motorcade rehearsal the evening before the summit caused prolonged delays at several locations. Police said the rehearsal regulated all 22 diversion points between 7 pm and 10 pm, with nearly 4,800 traffic staff on duty. Authorities advised candidates for competitive exams and patients with scheduled appointments to allow extra travel time.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact timing of the restrictions:
- Some outlets cite 9:30 am-9:30 pm on September 12.
- Others report 8:15 pm-11 pm the same day.
- An advisory listed 2 pm-8:30 pm on September 11.
- A notice mentioned 8 am-8 pm on September 13.
These variations show no single consolidated schedule for the summit period.
Why It Matters
The regime affected commuters traveling between Noida, central Delhi, east Delhi and the airport, as well as the Egyptian delegation in south Delhi. By redirecting traffic and limiting commercial vehicle entry, authorities aimed to balance security with essential mobility.
What’s Next
Delhi Police indicated that controls could remain until September 14, 2026, depending on foreign-delegation movements. Commuters should monitor official updates, use navigation apps that reflect the latest restrictions and continue favoring public transport, especially the Metro, for the remainder of the summit.