BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi Traffic Set For Major Disruptions As City Prepares For Global Leaders

Delhi Traffic Chaos Intensifies Ahead of BRICS Summit

New Delhi is no stranger to heavy traffic, but the arrival of foreign dignitaries often brings an additional layer of disruption. With India set to host the BRICS summit this weekend, large parts of the capital have been placed under heightened security, leading to road closures, diversions and widespread traffic restrictions.

Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across the city on Friday, a day before the two-day summit begins. Barricades, checkpoints and controlled movement were put in place around major roads and key locations. Authorities also declared a public holiday to reduce traffic and make it easier for security agencies to manage the movement of visiting leaders.

Government offices, schools and several private establishments remained closed, while some schools had already shut from Thursday. Similar restrictions were introduced in 2023 when New Delhi hosted the G20 summit.

Residents Struggle With Road Restrictions

The measures have disrupted daily life in a city already known for chronic congestion. Millions of vehicles use Delhi’s roads every day, and diversions caused by the summit have made even short journeys considerably longer.

Authorities have defended the restrictions as necessary security arrangements for the high-profile international gathering. Residents have been advised to work from home where possible, plan their journeys in advance and follow official traffic advisories.

However, many people still need to travel for work. Office employees, delivery workers, taxi and autorickshaw drivers and daily wage earners have reported difficulties reaching their destinations as roads were closed or routes diverted.

In some areas, taxi fares have increased as drivers take longer routes, while residents have complained about confusion caused by frequently changing traffic restrictions. Social media platforms were also flooded with pictures of barricaded roads and requests for information about alternative routes.

Transport Workers Bear the Brunt

Autorickshaw driver Neeraj Kumar said the restrictions were particularly difficult for people with limited incomes.

“If a one-kilometer journey turns into an eight-kilometer detour, what are we supposed to do?” he asked.

Kumar, who has been driving for 35 years, said security arrangements should be planned in a way that protects both visiting dignitaries and ordinary residents.

“The government should make proper arrangements for foreign delegates so that neither the public nor the guests should face any trouble,” he said.

Delivery driver Mohammed Eliyas said the restrictions could affect the earnings of thousands of workers who depend on daily deliveries.

“Even if we reach work, we will get stuck in traffic. We won’t be able to work,” he said.

Putin, Xi and Pezeshkian Among Expected Leaders

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among the prominent leaders expected to attend the BRICS summit on Saturday and Sunday.

The BRICS grouping has expanded well beyond its original members — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — and now includes 11 countries. Together, the bloc represents nearly half of the world’s population and a significant share of global energy resources and economic activity.

The group has increasingly pushed for a greater role for emerging economies in global decision-making and has attracted support across parts of the Global South, particularly among countries seeking alternatives to Western-dominated financial and economic institutions.

As Delhi prepares to host the high-profile gathering, authorities are balancing tight security requirements with the challenge of keeping life moving in one of the world’s busiest capitals.