BRICS Summit brings 12-hour traffic curbs across Delhi today

Delhi Police has announced extensive traffic restrictions and diversions across key parts of the Capital on Saturday, September 12, as world leaders and international delegations travel across the city for the 18th BRICS Summit being held at Bharat Mandapam.

Traffic will be regulated and diverted on several major roads between 9.30 am and 9 pm in view of VVIP movements associated with the summit. Police have advised commuters to plan journeys in advance, allow additional travel time and use public transport, particularly the Delhi Metro, wherever possible.

Central Delhi roads under restrictions

Several important corridors in Central and New Delhi, particularly around the Lutyens’ zone, have been designated as “Controlled Roads” during the summit. The affected stretches include Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg and Akbar Road, along with roads around the India Gate roundabout. Mathura Road and Bhairon Marg will also face regulated vehicular movement.

Traffic Police will impose diversions at multiple points around these corridors depending on the movement of visiting leaders and delegations. Vehicles approaching restricted stretches will be redirected towards alternative arterial roads, including sections of the Ring Road. The arrangements are intended to provide secure and uninterrupted movement to international dignitaries while limiting disruption to regular traffic.

Commuters asked to plan ahead

Delhi Police has urged motorists to avoid affected corridors wherever possible and follow instructions issued by traffic personnel deployed on the ground. Commuters travelling through Central Delhi have been advised to factor additional time into their journeys as temporary traffic holds and diversions may cause congestion on adjoining roads. Police have particularly encouraged people to use the Delhi Metro to reduce pressure on roads during the restrictions.

Emergency vehicles and essential services will be given priority passage during regulated traffic movements. The restrictions come as Delhi hosts leaders and senior delegations from BRICS countries for the two-day summit on September 12 and 13. Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan is the principal venue for the gathering.

Metro to start early on Sunday

Separately, Delhi Metro services will begin at 6 am on all corridors on Sunday to facilitate candidates appearing for the NDA and CDS examinations as well as other early-morning passengers. The Pink, Magenta and Grey lines ordinarily begin services at 7 am on Sundays, but operations on these corridors will start an hour earlier on September 13.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said the change was aimed at ensuring smooth and timely travel for examination candidates and the general public. With the BRICS Summit bringing several high-profile movements to the Capital, authorities have advised residents to keep track of traffic updates and avoid unnecessary travel through restricted areas during the summit hours.