New Delhi is preparing for heightened security and major traffic adjustments as the AI Impact Summit 2026 begins on February 16 at Bharat Mandapam. The five-day global gathering will bring Heads of State, ministers, and international delegates to the national capital, prompting authorities to roll out an elaborate traffic management plan.
The Delhi Traffic Police has announced that several key roads in central Delhi will face restrictions to ensure smooth movement and public safety. Commuters have been advised to carefully plan their journeys, particularly during peak hours, as route diversions and temporary closures will be enforced during VIP movements.
Traffic will remain restricted on prominent stretches including Mathura Road, Subramania Bharti Marg, Rajesh Pilot Marg, Tees January Marg, Akbar Road, Teen Murti Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Sardar Patel Marg, Janpath, Firoze Shah Road, Shanti Path, Satya Marg, Safdarjung Road, Kartavya Path, and adjoining roads. Bhairon Marg and parts of Mathura Road will also be regulated areas, where general vehicular movement may be halted during specific periods.
For passengers heading to Indira Gandhi International Airport, authorities have mapped out alternative routes to prevent delays. Travelers can use NH-48, Rao Gajraj Singh Marg, Urban Extension Road-I (UER-I), and the Sector-22 Dwarka Tunnel, depending on their terminal. Officials have urged flyers to leave early and monitor live traffic updates before departing.
Railway passengers travelling to New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station, and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station can access these hubs through alternate corridors such as Ring Road, Ashram Chowk, Raj Ghat, ISBT Kashmiri Gate, and Vande Mataram Marg. Vehicles not destined for Delhi will be diverted to the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways to ease congestion inside city limits.
The summit coincides with the commencement of the 2026 board examinations conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education, starting February 17. With more than 46 lakh students appearing for Class 10 and 12 exams across India and abroad, special coordination has been established between traffic authorities and the education department. Students have been instructed to reach their examination centres by 10 AM, as exams begin at 10:30 AM. Delhi Police personnel have been sensitised to assist students and ensure they face minimal inconvenience during their commute.
Delegates attending the summit have been strongly encouraged to use public transport, particularly the Delhi Metro. Pragati Maidan Metro Station remains the most convenient access point to Bharat Mandapam, with entry through Gate 10. Given limited parking availability, authorities recommend using cab services instead of private vehicles. However, limited parking has been designated at the Delhi Zoo, National Stadium, and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with shuttle services operating between these locations and Bharat Mandapam Gate 4.
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Officials say these measures are temporary but necessary as India hosts a high-profile global AI dialogue. While daily commuters may experience disruptions, authorities have assured that alternate routes and traffic corridors have been carefully planned to maintain essential mobility across the capital.
