Delhi Tightens Security, Plans Traffic Diversions Ahead of BRICS Summit

Delhi is gearing up for the BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held from September 11 to 13 at Bharat Mandapam, with an extensive security and traffic management plan covering the venue, VVIP routes and hotels hosting foreign delegates.

A total of 7,000 security personnel have been deployed across the city, while 4,800 traffic police personnel will manage vehicular movement. A multi-layered security ring has been established within a 5-km radius of Bharat Mandapam.

Multi-agency security cover

The security network involves Delhi Police, paramilitary forces, the National Security Guard, the Intelligence Bureau, the Special Protection Group and other agencies. The outer perimeter will be guarded by Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel, while NSG commandos and specialised units will secure areas closer to and inside the venue. Internal security will be jointly managed by the agencies involved.

Surveillance will cover the entire VVIP route — from the airport to hotels hosting foreign guests and on to the summit venue — on the ground and in the air. Around 10 major hotels accommodating foreign delegates will remain under constant watch, with dedicated arrangements along routes connecting the airport, hotels and Bharat Mandapam.

Entry to Bharat Mandapam will be restricted to authorised delegates, staff and pass-holders. Monitoring will include CCTV and technical surveillance, biometric verification and access control at gates, parking areas and sensitive zones. Anti-sabotage inspections will be carried out before the summit, and Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad teams will remain on alert.

Traffic diversions and restrictions

Traffic is expected to be the most visible impact for residents. Authorities have identified 22 major diversion points and more than 35 key roads where traffic may be temporarily halted or diverted during VVIP movements.

Roads likely to be affected include Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Akbar Road, Tees January Marg, Rajesh Pilot Marg, Subramania Bharati Marg, Mathura Road, Motilal Nehru Marg, Dr Zakir Hussain Road, Ashoka Road, Barakhamba Road, Tolstoy Marg, APJ Abdul Kalam Road, Press Enclave Road and Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg.

Diversion points include Dr Dinesh Nandini Dalmia Chowk, Ramcharan Agrawal Chowk, Meer Dard Chowk, Patel Chowk, RML Hospital Roundabout, Dhaula Kuan, Moti Bagh Flyover, Madrasa T-Point, Neela Gumbad, Oberoi Flyover and Mandi House.

Vehicles heading towards Mathura Road and Bharat Mandapam may be diverted via Lodhi Road or Lodhi Flyover. If VVIP movement takes place around Dhaula Kuan and Sardar Patel Marg, travellers may be directed towards Ring Road, Vande Mataram Marg or NH-48. Traffic police aim to restore normal flow immediately after convoys pass.

Advisories for travellers

Airport-bound passengers have been advised to leave well in advance, as temporary restrictions may affect access routes. Those travelling to New Delhi Railway Station and other major stations should check their routes beforehand and account for possible diversions. The public has been encouraged to use the Delhi Metro where possible.

Special arrangements have been made to ensure unhindered movement of ambulances, fire brigade vehicles and other emergency service vehicles, with agencies coordinating to create immediate passage when required.

Technology and preparations

VVIP convoys will be monitored through GPS-based tracking systems, allowing security and traffic control agencies to track movements in real time. CCTV and technical surveillance will cover Bharat Mandapam and VVIP routes.

Preparations have been under way for several months. BRICS-related banners and posters have been installed around Bharat Mandapam, Connaught Place, Khan Market and other key locations, with decorative lighting enhanced in major markets and parts of New Delhi.