The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory for Wednesday, February 18, in view of the AI Impact Summit 2026 being held at Bharat Mandapam.
Special traffic arrangements will be in place from 4 pm to 10 pm across parts of central Delhi due to VVIP movement and heightened security protocols. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance and follow directions issued by traffic personnel on duty.
The advisory follows two consecutive days of heavy congestion in central, east, and south Delhi linked to summit-related diversions and security checks.
High-Level VVIP Attendance Expected
Security arrangements are tighter as senior leaders are scheduled to attend the summit, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Officials confirmed that entry to the venue will be restricted after 4 pm. Vehicle movement around the convention complex and nearby diplomatic areas will be regulated.
Congestion is expected to be further impacted by wedding-season travel and ongoing board examinations in the city.
Roads Likely to Be Affected
According to the traffic advisory, restrictions or regulated movement may apply on:
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Sardar Patel Marg
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Mother Teresa Crescent
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Teen Murti Marg
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Akbar Road
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Janpath
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Windsor Place
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Tees January Marg
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Prithvi Raj Road
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Rajesh Pilot Marg
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Subrahmaniam Bharti Marg
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Mathura Road (Lodhi Flyover to Bhairon Marg stretch)
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Shanti Path
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Africa Avenue
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Satya Marg
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Dr Zakir Hussain Marg
Motorists should expect possible delays near hotels hosting foreign delegates and around the Bharat Mandapam complex.
Suggested Alternate Routes
To minimise inconvenience, commuters may consider using:
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San Martin Marg
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Panchsheel Marg
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APJ Abdul Kalam Marg
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Kamal Ataturk Marg
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Aurobindo Marg
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Lodhi Road
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South Avenue Road
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Vandematram Marg
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Barapullah Road
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Ring Road
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Tilak Marg
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Ferozshah Road
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Rafi Marg
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Sansad Marg
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K Kamraj Marg
Public Advisory for Commuters
The Delhi Traffic Police has urged residents, office-goers, students, and visitors to:
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Leave early to account for delays
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Maintain lane discipline
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Follow real-time updates via official traffic channels
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Cooperate with on-ground security and traffic personnel
Authorities indicated that congestion may continue throughout the summit period. People travelling in and around central Delhi on Wednesday evening are advised to factor in additional travel time.
