Delhi is gearing up to host a major global technology conference, with senior officials setting an ambitious target: to outdo the city's acclaimed arrangements for the G20 Summit. Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma has issued a clear directive to all concerned agencies, emphasizing that preparations for the upcoming AI Impact Summit must be "better than those made during the G-20 Summit."
City-Wide Beautification and Infrastructure Push
In a high-level meeting held recently, Verma outlined a comprehensive plan to revamp key areas across the national capital. The focus will be on zones around the summit's main venue, Bharat Mandapam, the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, and major tourist hubs. All assigned works have a strict deadline of completion by the end of January, well before the summit's commencement.
The AI Impact Summit is scheduled to be held from February 15 to 20, 2026. The main inaugural event will take place on February 19 at Bharat Mandapam. Pre-summit activities and bilateral engagements are also planned at Bharat Mandapam and Hyderabad House, with a public event proposed at Central Park starting February 15.
Officials stated that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) have been specifically instructed to control the presence of stray animals in the city.
High-Profile Guest List Drives Preparations
The urgency and scale of the preparations are driven by the expected participation of a distinguished global gathering. According to the minutes of the meeting, Heads of State from various foreign countries, leadership of prominent international organisations, and top AI leaders, including CEOs of leading AI companies, are anticipated to attend.
In light of this, Verma has directed all government agencies, including the Delhi Police and civic bodies, to ensure full preparedness to welcome the foreign delegates and their families. The directive encompasses every facet of city management: security, traffic management, dignitary movement, city cleanliness and beautification, road conditions, signage, lighting, and preparations at important tourist areas and markets.
Roads, Lights, and Tourist Spots in Focus
Expressing concern over the condition of Delhi's roads, the Chief Secretary has tasked agencies like the PWD, NDMC, MCD, and DDA with creating a detailed plan. They must identify and repair roads needing attention, with a special focus on those connecting IGI Airport, Bharat Mandapam, Hyderabad House, tourist places, and prominent marketplaces.
The NDMC has already identified about 41 roads for improvement, while the PWD will oversee all roads under its jurisdiction. In total, over 50 roads across Delhi are slated for revamping or beautification.
Civic agencies have received specific orders to ensure there are no potholes or damaged central verges, to fix missing signage, remove dark spots, improve footpaths, and ensure all fountains are clean, functional, and aesthetically lit. The meeting minutes stressed that "all agencies must ensure 100 per cent functional pole lights on roads, roundabouts, and market areas," with the addition of aesthetic decorative illumination.
Major tourist landmarks including Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Akshardham, Chandni Chowk, and Raj Ghat will also see beautification efforts in their surrounding areas. Furthermore, the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation has been directed to arrange sightseeing tours for delegates, similar to those organized during the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Summit at the Red Fort.
Robust Monitoring and Emergency Readiness
To ensure seamless execution, each agency involved has been asked to establish a dedicated control room for monitoring event-related activities. Additionally, they must constitute emergency response teams to handle any unforeseen situations promptly.
The comprehensive review and strict deadlines indicate the Delhi administration's commitment to projecting the city as a world-class host for this significant congregation of global AI and political leaders, aiming to set a new benchmark in event management that surpasses its own G20 success.
