For the BRICS Summit 2026, which is going to take place from September 11 to 13 in New Delhi, the national capital has been put under a massive security blanket with heads of state, senior officials and delegates from member countries. Citizens and visitors are being put at high risk, with lots of security in place across the city, and there have been a lot of restrictions, traffic stops and advisories on how to move and what to do in the city to keep life to a minimum.
The summit, one of the biggest international events taking place in India this year, will bring together leaders from BRICS countries for discussions on economic cooperation, trade, technology, climate action and global governance reform. Because of the high profile of the event, parts of Delhi will be under special circumstances during the 3-day summit.
What will remain open?
Even with the rigorous security measures, most of Delhi’s essential services will be running as normal.
Delhi Metro Services:
The Delhi Metro is expected to be operating through the summit period and will be promoted as the preferred mode of transport. Metro services should be used to avoid traffic congestion and road closures.
Hospitals and Emergency Services:
All hospitals, medical facilities, ambulance services and emergency response units will be fully operational. Emergency vehicles will be driven as quickly as they can be moved, according to authorities.
Airports and Railway Stations:
Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi Railway Station, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station and other major transportation hubs will remain open. But passengers are advised to leave earlier than usual for possible traffic delays on routes leading to those destinations.
Retail Stores and Markets:
Most local markets, shopping complexes, restaurants, and commercial establishments will continue unless specific restrictions are put in high-security zones.
Government Essential Services:
Departments that provide critical public services will continue to function, but it is likely that access to some government buildings will not be available to citizens for security reasons.
What will be restricted or closed?
Traffic Movement on Key Roads: Some of the key roads in central Delhi and the diplomatic enclave will be closed, diverted or restricted. There may be restrictions on routes frequently used by visiting dignitaries and official convoys.
Access to High-Security Zones:
Public movement may be limited around summit venues, luxury hotels hosting delegates and areas within the Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave. Security checkpoints and vehicle screening will be intensified.
Heavy Commercial Vehicles:
Trucks and heavy commercial vehicles may be restricted on some routes and at certain times for smooth traffic flow.
Tourist Attractions in Restricted Areas: Certain monuments and public spaces in certain security zones may be restricted to visitors, or those in certain areas of security may have to adapt to them as they are evaluated and VIPs move around.
Advisory for Residents and Visitors
The Delhi Police and traffic authorities have advised residents to stay updated through official announcements and traffic bulletins. People are told to avoid non-essential travel in central Delhi at peak summit hours and to take alternate routes if possible.
Businesses have also been advised to tell employees about possible delays and to have flexible commuting plans. Ride-hailing and public transportation services are scheduled to be in demand at the summit.
Security at an All-Time High
The BRICS Summit has triggered one of the largest security deployments in recent years. Surveillance systems, anti-drone measures, quick response teams and intelligence units have been put in place across the city. Authorities are working to protect delegates and the public, without causing inconvenience.
As Delhi will host world leaders for the BRICS Summit 2026, residents will get to experience more security and temporary disruptions. It will be a mix of increased security and temporary disruptions, and essential services and public transport will continue to operate; travellers should be aware of traffic and security alerts throughout the event.
