AI Summit Day 2 Paralyzes Delhi with Massive Traffic Gridlock
Preliminary reports from ground sources and insiders reveal that Day 2 of the AI summit in New Delhi attracted nearly 70,000 visitors, resulting in approximately 4,000 to 5,000 pick-and-drop trips and around 3,000 vehicles parked by 4 pm. With such overwhelming numbers, slow-moving traffic around the Bharat Mandapam venue on Tuesday was entirely predictable, causing widespread disruption across the capital.
Surge in Mixed Traffic Compounds Commuter Woes
As the event opened to the public, roads surrounding the venue experienced a significant surge in mixed traffic. This included visitors arriving in private vehicles, cabs, and buses, alongside security convoys. The congestion was further exacerbated by students and parents heading to Board exam centers and regular office commuters, creating a perfect storm of vehicular chaos.
Commuters reported that traveling short distances took considerably longer than usual. Key arterial roads such as Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg, Purana Quila Road, and the Pragati Maidan tunnel were among the most severely affected. Those heading to ITO faced bumper-to-bumper traffic throughout much of the afternoon, with stretches that typically take under 10 minutes requiring 25 to 30 minutes to navigate.
Social Media Erupts with Frustration and Emergency Concerns
Frustration quickly spilled onto social media platforms, where users voiced their grievances. One user highlighted a critical issue, posting that two ambulances were stuck inside the Pragati Maidan tunnel, raising alarms about emergency access. Another user tagged Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, complaining that traffic snarls inside the tunnel have become a daily occurrence and urgently requested his intervention to ease congestion on the stretch between the tunnel and Purana Quila Road.
Legal professionals traveling to the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court reported being stranded en route, with some opting to skip hearings entirely after facing severe congestion on Monday. Anuja Chaudhary, an office-goer, shared that Monday's traffic had been "so chaotic" that she decided not to risk commuting on Tuesday, reflecting the broader impact on daily life.
Traffic Build-Up Extends Beyond Immediate Venue Area
Beyond the areas adjacent to Bharat Mandapam, traffic build-up was reported on NH-24 and near the Sarai Kale Khan ISBT. However, traffic police noted that congestion on some outer stretches could not be directly linked to the summit, as movement restrictions were limited to specific pockets around the venue. Separately, curbs due to a foreign delegation visiting Akshardham around 4 pm impacted traffic near Sarai Kale Khan and the temple, adding another layer to the day's disruptions.
Commuters Advised to Plan Ahead for Ongoing Congestion
Commuters can expect similar stop-start congestion around the summit venue throughout the week, particularly over the next two days when heads of state are anticipated to attend. The clear message for Delhi residents is straightforward: if your route passes near Bharat Mandapam, factor in extra travel time to avoid delays. This proactive planning is essential as the city grapples with the dual challenges of hosting a major international event and maintaining daily mobility.
The AI summit, while a significant gathering for technological advancements, has underscored the persistent traffic management issues in Delhi, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and contingency planning during large-scale events.
