Delhi Braces for BRICS Summit as Road Curbs Disrupt Daily Life

New Delhi is tightening security and traffic restrictions across the capital ahead of the BRICS summit this weekend, with barricades, checkpoints and diversions reshaping daily movement for millions of residents.

Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed, and authorities declared Friday a public holiday — a day before the summit opens on Saturday — to reduce traffic and limit movement. Officials said the measures were needed to ensure the smooth conduct of the gathering, and urged residents to work from home where possible, plan journeys in advance and follow official traffic advisories. Similar restrictions were imposed in 2023, when the city hosted the G20 summit.

For many Delhiites, however, the preparations have added fresh disruption to a capital already known for chronic congestion. Office workers, delivery riders and daily wage earners reported difficulty reaching work as roads were closed and routes diverted. Taxi fares rose in some areas as drivers took longer routes, while residents complained of confusion over changing restrictions. Some posted images of barricaded roads on social media while seeking alternative routes.

Autorickshaw driver Neeraj Kumar, who has been driving for 35 years, said the restrictions were hitting poorer residents hardest. "If a one-kilometer journey turns into an eight-kilometer detour, what are we supposed to do?" he asked, adding that authorities should ensure arrangements for foreign delegates do not come at the expense of residents.

Food delivery rider Mohammed Eliyas said the curbs would cost many workers several days of earnings. "Even if we reach work, we will get stuck in traffic. We won't be able to work," he said.

Billboards across the city carry the branding "BRICS India 2026" and "Bridging perspectives, Building solutions." Armored vehicles have been seen near Bharat Mandapam, the summit venue, where water sprinklers have been installed to maintain air quality and CCTV cameras are in place.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among the leaders expected to attend the two-day summit. BRICS has expanded from its original five members to 11, representing about half the world's population and a significant share of global energy, resources and economic output. The group has sought a larger role in a global order long dominated by the United States and its Western allies, drawing support in parts of the Global South critical of Western-led financial institutions.