Delhi Traffic Restrictions: AI Summit 2026 Impact & Diversions (Feb 16-20)

Delhi authorities have implemented significant traffic restrictions and route diversions ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to February 20. The measures are designed to ensure security and facilitate the movement of high-profile attendees, including heads of state, ministers and international delegates.

The Delhi Police have announced elaborate traffic arrangements, with the most stringent restrictions focused on the New Delhi district and surrounding areas. While essential services, including ambulances and medical emergency vehicles, will be granted priority passage, significant disruptions are expected for general traffic. Authorities are advising motorists to avoid key stretches of road and to utilize designated alternate routes.

A comprehensive list of roads subject to restrictions includes Mathura Road (from Subramania Bharti Marg T-Point to Lodhi Road flyover), Subramania Bharti Marg, Rajesh Pilot Marg, Tees January Marg, Akbar Road, Teen Murti Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Sardar Patel Marg, Janpath, Firoz Shah Road, Shanti Path, Satya Marg, Africa Avenue (between Bikaji Cama Place and Yashwant Place), Kamal Ataturk Marg, APJ Abdul Kalam Road, Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, Ashoka Road, Prithviraj Road, Kautilya Marg, Tilak Marg, Bhagwan Das Road, Kartavya Path, Sansad Marg, Outer Circle Connaught Place, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, and Lodhi Road.

Key corridors, such as Ring Road between Brar Square and AIIMS, NH-48 from Rangpuri to Dhaula Kuan, Rao Tula Ram Marg, and the stretch of Aurobindo Marg near the AIIMS U-turn, will also experience diversions and controlled movement. General vehicular entry will be prohibited during convoy movements on Bhairon Marg (excluding the Ring Road T-point) and on Mathura Road between Subramania Bharti Marg and Dr Dinesh Nandini Dalmia Chowk. Vehicles not destined for areas along these routes will be diverted towards the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.

Recognizing the potential for disruption, the Delhi Police have issued specific guidance for passengers travelling to and from Indira Gandhi International Airport and railway stations. While access will be permitted, travellers are strongly encouraged to plan their journeys in advance, explore alternative routes, and allow for extended travel times.

For those travelling to the airport, the police recommend utilizing NH-48 and the Sector-22 Dwarka Tunnel. Passengers heading to New Delhi, Old Delhi, or Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations are advised to use Ring Road, Ashram Chowk, and Vande Mataram Marg. The authorities have also provided detailed route suggestions for reaching each airport terminal from various points within the city, including routes from Gurgaon, Dwarka, New Delhi, and North/East Delhi.

The traffic advisory also addresses the needs of students taking board examinations at ten schools located along VVIP routes. Nodal officers have been deployed to facilitate the movement of students and staff, and transport and education departments have been provided with suggested routes and contact details. Schools near the summit venue and along security routes have been offered alternative access plans.

In an effort to mitigate congestion, the Delhi Police are urging residents to prioritize public transport, particularly the Delhi Metro, and to park vehicles only in designated areas. They also emphasize the importance of adhering to traffic regulations, maintaining road discipline, and promptly reporting any suspicious activity.

Real-time traffic updates will be disseminated through the Delhi Traffic Police website, social media platforms, WhatsApp (8750871493), and helplines (1095 and 011-25844444). Authorities are appealing for public cooperation to ensure the smooth execution of the summit and minimize inconvenience to commuters.

The police have outlined a suggested north-south corridor that will remain unrestricted: Ring Road – Ashram Chowk – Sarai Kale Khan – Raj Ghat- ISBT Kashmere Gate – Ajadpur – Punjabi Bagh Dhaula Kuan – AIIMS- Ashram Chowk. This route is intended to provide a viable alternative for those traversing the city during the summit.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 represents a significant international event, and these traffic measures reflect the logistical challenges inherent in securing and facilitating such gatherings. The Delhi Police are aiming to balance the needs of summit attendees with the daily commutes of residents, a task requiring careful coordination and public cooperation.