If you live in Delhi or you’re planning to pass through the capital between September 11 and 13, it’s time to rethink your usual route. The city is getting ready to host the BRICS Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, and that means a lot of familiar roads are about to get a lot more complicated.
Delhi Traffic Restrictions for BRICS Summit 2026
In short: a lot. Traffic police have flagged more than 35 roads that could see restrictions, along with 22 diversion points scattered across the city. And here’s the tricky part: these aren’t fixed. As VIP convoys move through the city, routes can shift with very little warning, so what’s open at 9 am might be closed by 11.
The areas hit hardest will be the New Delhi district and the stretch around Bharat Mandapam and Pragati Maidan, which makes sense given that’s where the summit itself is happening. If your commute usually cuts through central Delhi, you’ll probably want a backup plan; or honestly, a backup for your backup.
Airport and Railway Travel Tips
This is the part that could actually mess up your travel plans if you’re not careful. Anyone heading to Indira Gandhi International Airport should build in extra time, and the best route in will depend on where you’re starting from; Delhi, Dwarka, and Gurugram all have different recommended paths right now, so it’s worth checking before you leave rather than assuming your usual way in will work.
Same story for the railway stations. New Delhi, Old Delhi, and Hazrat Nizamuddin are all likely to see slower approach roads, so pad your timeline accordingly. Missing a train because of a VIP convoy is not the story you want to tell later.
Delhi Metro During BRICS Summit
Here’s some good news in all this: the Delhi Metro is expected to keep running as normal throughout the summit. While roads above ground turn into a bit of a guessing game, the Metro stays predictable, which honestly makes it the smartest way to get around the city for these few days, even if it’s not your usual choice.
Commercial Vehicle and Parking Restrictions
If you’re driving a commercial vehicle without a specific reason to be in Delhi, expect some pushback at entry points; those without a destination within the city may be turned away. And if you’re planning to park anywhere near the restricted zones, don’t. Roadside parking within 200 metres of controlled areas is expected to be off-limits.
On the safety side, ambulances and other emergency vehicles will still get priority access no matter what’s happening with VIP movement, so that part of the system isn’t expected to break down even amid the chaos.
Delhi BRICS Summit Travel Tips
Nobody’s saying you need to cancel your plans, but a little foresight will save you a lot of frustration. Check the latest traffic advisory before you head out, lean on the Metro where you can, give yourself extra time for flights and trains, and steer clear of central Delhi unless you really need to be there.
The BRICS Summit will bring plenty of attention to the city, but for most of us, the real story these three days is just about getting from A to B without losing half a day to a diversion. Plan smart, stay flexible, and you’ll be fine.
