The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has initiated a comprehensive city-wide overhaul to prepare the national capital for the prestigious India AI Impact Summit 2026. The ambitious project focuses on critical upgrades to infrastructure, enhanced cleanliness, beautification, and overall operational readiness to host global delegates.
Extensive Infrastructure and Beautification Drive
Senior NDMC officials, after inspecting all 41 avenue roads under their jurisdiction, have formulated a detailed action plan. The focus is on key corridors that connect vital points like the airport, diplomatic enclaves, major hotels, and prominent public spaces. The concrete work involves filling potholes, restoring damaged grilles, upgrading street signage, and repainting central verges. A special emphasis is being placed on removing dark spots by improving street lighting, thereby enhancing both road safety and the city's visual appeal during the summit period.
The civic body has identified several focus zones that international delegates are likely to visit. These include the Bharat Mandapam – the venue for the inaugural event on February 19 – along with five-star hotels, heritage structures, major roundabouts, and public gardens. Roads leading to iconic tourist destinations such as Connaught Place, India Gate, Lodhi Garden, Humayun's Tomb, and Dilli Haat are receiving priority upgrades.
Operation Clean and Aesthetic Enhancements
In a significant push for sanitation, NDMC has rolled out a week-long intensive deep-cleaning campaign named Operation Clean. This drive is being executed across all 14 circles of the NDMC area, starting from the central hub of Connaught Place. The aim is to present a spotless and efficiently managed capital city to the world.
Beyond cleanliness, the council is working on beautification. The horticulture department has received instructions to install vibrant flowering plants at prominent locations across the city. Simultaneously, existing sculptures, fountains, and public art installations are being refurbished to look their best. The administration is also closely monitoring garbage-vulnerable points to prevent litter accumulation during the high-profile event.
Summit Details and Preparedness Timeline
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is scheduled to be held from February 15 to 20. The event is expected to draw a distinguished gathering of world leaders, policymakers, technology innovators, and experts in the field of artificial intelligence. The grand inaugural ceremony is set for February 19 at the Bharat Mandapam convention center.
With the summit dates fixed, the NDMC has assigned clear responsibilities to various departments to address any gaps in preparedness. The extensive revamp is a strategic effort to ensure that New Delhi showcases itself as a clean, modern, and well-managed global metropolis ready to host a landmark event on the future of AI.
