Traffic – AI Summit Security Measures Disrupt Movement Across Delhi

Traffic – The national capital witnessed widespread traffic congestion on Monday as enhanced security arrangements for the ongoing AI Summit at Bharat Mandapam led to road restrictions in several key areas.-

Vehicular movement slowed considerably across parts of Delhi on Monday as authorities implemented elaborate security and traffic control measures for the five-day AI Summit being hosted at Bharat Mandapam. Despite the deployment of thousands of traffic personnel, commuters reported long delays, particularly around central and southeast Delhi.

Heavy Deployment Around Summit Venue

A senior police official confirmed that nearly 5,000 traffic officers were stationed across major intersections and sensitive stretches to manage the increased movement of delegates and ensure public safety. However, roads surrounding the summit venue experienced dense congestion during peak hours.

According to officials, special diversions and regulated entry points were introduced near Bharat Mandapam to maintain security protocols. While efforts were made to keep traffic flowing, the combination of restricted access and regular office-hour rush led to significant bottlenecks.

Authorities advised residents to rely on the Delhi Metro to avoid unnecessary delays. Police stated that metro services remained unaffected and offered a more predictable commuting option during the summit period.

Commuters Describe Delays and Slow Movement

Several residents described their commute as unusually slow. Prakash Singh, who lives in the Ashram area, said the drive toward ITO became frustratingly sluggish. He noted that the stretch near the golf club saw vehicles lined up bumper to bumper for extended periods.

Traffic from Sarai Kale Khan toward India Gate also moved at a reduced pace. Shivam Saxena, a Noida resident, said restrictions along key roads added considerable time to his journey. While vehicles continued to move, the progress was gradual, he said, attributing the slowdown to security checks and diverted routes.

Officials explained that roads flanking the summit venue, including Bhairon Marg and Mathura Road, were expected to remain under pressure throughout the event. Traffic personnel were stationed at multiple points to manage lane discipline and prevent gridlock.

Congestion Reported in Multiple Corridors

The impact of the restrictions extended beyond central Delhi. Motorists reported standstill conditions in several other corridors, including the Bilaspur-Gurgaon route and stretches between Seelampur, Kashmere Gate, and Shastri Park. In some areas, vehicles barely moved for several minutes at a time during the morning rush.

Traffic police acknowledged the strain but maintained that diversions were necessary to maintain security at an international-level event. Officers on duty were seen manually regulating traffic at busy crossings to ease pressure on affected roads.

Advisory Emphasizes Essential Services Access

A traffic advisory issued by Delhi Police on Sunday assured residents that essential services would continue without interruption. Emergency vehicles, particularly ambulances and medical response units, were given priority clearance and designated corridors to ensure swift movement across the city.

Police officials reiterated that while temporary inconvenience was unavoidable, every effort was being made to minimize disruption. Additional monitoring teams were deployed to respond quickly to congestion points and adjust diversions if required.

The AI Summit, drawing participants from across the country and abroad, is scheduled to continue for several more days. Authorities have urged commuters to plan their routes in advance, allow extra travel time, and consider public transport wherever possible until the event concludes.