Delhi Braces for Traffic Disruptions During AI Impact Summit
New Delhi is set to experience significant traffic disruptions from February 16 to 20 as the city hosts the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam inside Pragati Maidan. Authorities have implemented stringent traffic rules in central parts and surrounding areas to manage the movement of VVIPs, including global dignitaries, foreign delegates, and ministers attending the high-security event.
Key Roads Under Full or Partial Restrictions
Traffic police have identified multiple roads that will be affected, with some facing full closures during peak VVIP convoy movements, primarily in the mornings and evenings. Bhairon Marg (except at the Ring Road T-point) and Mathura Road (from Subramania Bharti Marg T-point to Dr Dinesh Nandini Dalmia Chowk) are among the routes that will be completely restricted at times. Additionally, 51 controlled roads will have regulated traffic throughout the day, with brief thinning at specific intervals.
These include:
- Mathura Road (Subramania Bharati Marg T-point to Lodhi Road flyover)
- Subramania Bharati Marg, Rajesh Pilot Marg, and Tees January Marg
- Akbar Road, Teen Murti Marg, and Mother Teresa Crescent
- Sardar Patel Marg, Janpath, Firoz Shah Road, Shanti Path, and Satya Marg
- Africa Avenue (Bikaji Cama to Yashwant Place roundabout)
- Kamal Ataturk Marg, APJ Abdul Kalam Road, and C-Hexagon
Other impacted roads span areas like Central Spine Road, Ring Road stretches, Kartavya Path, and multiple major arteries in New Delhi district, ensuring widespread adjustments for daily commuters.
Commuters Advised to Plan Ahead and Use Alternative Routes
To mitigate inconvenience, police have kept a primary north-south corridor open, following Ring Road to connect key points such as Ashram Chowk, Sarai Kale Khan, Rajghat, ISBT Kashmere Gate, Azadpur, Punjabi Bagh, Dhaula Kuan, and AIIMS. This route is deemed the most reliable for criss-crossing the city during the summit.
For railway stations: Early departure is recommended. Routes via ISBT Kashmere Gate, Ashram-Ring Road-Rajghat, or Vande Mataram Marg are suggested for New Delhi Railway Station, while Old Delhi Railway Station can be accessed via ISBT Kashmere Gate and Ring Road or Rani Jhansi Marg. Hazrat Nizamuddin Station routes include AIIMS-Ring Road-Ashram or ISBT Kashmere Gate-Ring Road-Rajghat-Ashram.
For IGI Airport: The Metro is highlighted as the safest option, operating normally. Road travelers can use NH-48 and UER-II routes, depending on their origin.
Public Transport and General Guidelines
Public transport will continue to operate but may face diversions during VVIP movements. Buses could be rerouted, while autos and taxis might be restricted to designated parking areas. Commuters are strongly advised to:
- Leave early to account for potential delays
- Check real-time traffic updates before and during travel
- Utilize the Metro system wherever possible to avoid road congestion
Overall, while the summit aims to foster global AI discussions, Delhi residents and visitors should prepare for a challenging commute, with police efforts focused on balancing security needs with public mobility.
