New Delhi is grappling with massive traffic disruptions and heightened security measures as the Indian capital prepares to host the BRICS Summit this weekend, with large parts of the city transformed into tightly controlled security zones.
While many residents take pride in welcoming world leaders to one of the world’s largest urban centers, the extensive restrictions have sparked frustration among commuters and businesses struggling to navigate the city. The BRICS bloc, comprising 11 major emerging and developing economies, has drawn significant international attention, prompting authorities to implement sweeping security arrangements ahead of the high-profile gathering.
Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across key areas of the capital, with barricades, checkpoints, and traffic restrictions affecting major roads and transportation routes. To help ease congestion and strengthen security, city authorities declared a public holiday, leading to the closure of government offices, schools, and many private businesses.
The measures mirror those introduced during New Delhi’s hosting of the G20 Summit in 2023, but for many residents, the latest restrictions have once again disrupted daily life in a city already known for chronic traffic congestion. Millions of vehicles use Delhi’s roads each day, and commuters have reported longer travel times as routes are diverted and access to certain areas is restricted.
Officials have defended the measures as necessary to ensure the smooth conduct of the international summit. Residents have been encouraged to work from home where possible, plan journeys in advance, and monitor official traffic advisories.
Despite those efforts, many workers have faced significant challenges reaching their destinations. Delivery drivers, office employees, and daily wage earners reported delays caused by road closures and changing traffic rules. Some taxi services experienced increased fares as drivers were forced to take longer routes through congested areas.
Social media has also been flooded with images of barricaded streets and requests for travel advice, reflecting growing public frustration. For lower-income workers who rely on daily mobility to earn a living, the impact has been particularly severe.
Autorickshaw driver Neeraj Kumar said the restrictions were creating major difficulties for ordinary residents. He noted that short journeys were often turning into long detours, increasing travel costs and reducing earnings for transport workers.
As New Delhi prepares to welcome global leaders for the BRICS Summit, the city finds itself balancing international diplomacy with the practical challenges of managing security, mobility, and daily life for millions of residents.
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