Delhi has been put on high security status as the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam begins this weekend. With international leaders arriving in the capital, the authorities have put in place security and traffic management plans in the capital.
More than 15,000 Delhi police, 200 companies of paramilitary forces and more than 500 CCTV cameras have been deployed to secure the summit venue, hotels, airport routes and other locations connected with visiting delegations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is also coming to Delhi, and Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to attend the summit. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi are expected to be among the others expected to be present.
High-tech surveillance across Delhi
Security arrangements have been strengthened around Bharat Mandapam, the airport, hotels hosting foreign delegations and important routes used by visiting leaders.
In the New Delhi area, authorities are using high-resolution CCTV cameras, facial recognition systems and automatic vehicle number plate readers for round-the-clock surveillance. Police have also improved access control, identity verification, intelligence gathering and emergency response mechanisms.
The deployment is aimed at ensuring the safe movement of visiting heads of state and maintaining normal life for Delhi residents as much as possible.
Temporary traffic restrictions on key roads
Despite the elevated level of security, Delhi isn’t likely to experience a complete city-wide shutdown due to the security measures. But commuters should be prepared for temporary stoppages, detours and restrictions when VVIP convoys make their way through the city.
More than 35 roads might be affected at different times. Important stretches that could see restrictions include Mathura Road, Sardar Patel Marg, Shanti Path, Janpath, Ashoka Road, Barakhamba Road and Tolstoy Marg.
The traffic police have advised commuters to plan their trips and allow additional travel time.
A senior police officer said that there are elaborate arrangements in place in order to minimize inconvenience to the public.
Almost 4,800 traffic personnel deployed
A key component of the summit preparations is also traffic management. Almost 4,800 traffic personnel are involved with the traffic management and transportation of vehicles, diversions and the movement of visiting delegations.
The traffic restrictions are expected to be temporary and relate mainly to the movement of VVIP convoys rather than a blanket closure of roads throughout the day.
People travelling towards central Delhi, the airport and south Delhi area are advised to check the latest traffic advisories before starting their journey.
#WATCH | Delhi: Security arrangements have been tightened in the national capital ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit.
— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2026
On this, DCP New Delhi Sachin Sharma said, "Police have been deployed in different sector zones across New Delhi. Drills have been conducted. CCTVs are being… pic.twitter.com/YypnkgXibD
Metro and public transport to operate
Delhi Metro services will continue during the summit. There may be some restrictions at some stations or entry and exit gates in case security needs arise.
Buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws and app-based cab services will also continue to operate although vehicles travelling through restricted zones may be diverted or halted temporarily.
The Metro must be considered wherever possible for commuters— particularly those travelling to areas where VVIP movement restrictions will be experienced.
Residents are advised to avoid rumours
New Delhi residents will have to rely on official information and traffic advisories. Police have warned people against sending any messages that say Delhi will be on a complete bandh or that all major highways will be closed.
Those going to medical exams, going to a hospital or going to the airport have to plan their trip.
The robust security arrangements are expected to be in place throughout the summit period as Delhi hosts leaders and delegations from BRICS member countries.
With thousands of security personnel, very advanced surveillance systems and extensive traffic-management measures in place, authorities are looking to balance VVIP security and uninterrupted movement for the public during the high-profile international gathering.
