BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi Traffic Disruptions Loom As Capital Gears Up To Host Global Leaders

Delhi Traffic Snarls Intensify Ahead of BRICS Summit

New Delhi is once again facing major traffic disruptions as the capital tightens security ahead of the BRICS summit, with foreign leaders set to arrive for the two-day global gathering this weekend.

Large parts of the city have been transformed into high-security zones, with thousands of police and paramilitary personnel deployed across key locations. Barricades, checkpoints, road closures and diversions have been introduced on several major routes, leaving commuters struggling to navigate the capital.

Authorities have also declared a public holiday to reduce traffic and ease the movement of visiting dignitaries. Government offices, schools and several private establishments have been closed, while some schools suspended classes from Thursday. Similar arrangements were made in 2023 when Delhi hosted the G20 summit.

Daily Commuters Face Major Disruptions

While the security measures are aimed at ensuring the safe movement of international leaders, they have disrupted the routines of millions of Delhi residents.

The capital already experiences severe congestion, with millions of vehicles using its roads every day. The latest restrictions have added to the problem, with commuters reporting longer journeys, unexpected diversions and difficulties reaching workplaces.

Office employees, delivery workers, taxi and autorickshaw drivers and daily wage earners have been particularly affected. In some areas, drivers have had to take lengthy alternative routes, while taxi fares have reportedly increased because of the additional travel time.

Residents have also turned to social media to share photographs of barricaded roads and seek information about routes affected by the restrictions.

Officials have urged residents to work from home wherever possible, plan journeys in advance and regularly check traffic advisories.

Drivers Question Impact On Livelihoods

For many transport workers, the restrictions are not just an inconvenience but a potential loss of income.

Autorickshaw driver Neeraj Kumar, who has been driving for 35 years, said longer diversions were putting additional pressure on people who depend on daily earnings.

“If a one-kilometer journey turns into an eight-kilometer detour, what are we supposed to do?” he asked.

Kumar said security arrangements for foreign leaders should be planned without creating unnecessary hardship for ordinary residents.

“The government should make proper arrangements for foreign delegates so that neither the public nor the guests should face any trouble,” he said.

Delivery driver Mohammed Eliyas also said the restrictions could prevent workers from completing their jobs and earning their daily income.

“Even if we reach work, we will get stuck in traffic. We won’t be able to work,” he said.

Putin, Xi And Pezeshkian Among Key Leaders

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among the prominent leaders expected to attend the summit on Saturday and Sunday.

The BRICS grouping, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has expanded to 11 members. The bloc now represents a substantial share of the world’s population, energy resources and economic output.

BRICS has increasingly positioned itself as a platform for emerging economies seeking a greater role in global decision-making. The grouping has also attracted support from parts of the Global South, particularly over calls for reforms to Western-dominated international financial institutions.

As Delhi welcomes some of the world’s most influential leaders, authorities face the difficult task of maintaining stringent security while keeping the capital’s daily life and transport network functioning.