New Delhi residents face traffic chaos as India prepares to hosts BRICS summit

New Delhi is experiencing significant traffic disruptions as it prepares to host the BRICS summit, with security measures and a declared public holiday in effect. NEW DELHI (AP) — Bad traffic is a fact of life in New Delhi, but it’s often at its worst when foreign dignitaries come to town. As India’s capital prepares to host a summit of the BRICS grouping of countries this weekend, parts of one of the world’s busiest urban centers have been turned into tightly controlled security zones.

Even as many Delhi residents are proud to play host to a gathering of world leaders, the traffic chaos is testing their patience and prompting widespread complaints about how the city plans for major events. BRICS is a grouping of 11 major emerging markets and developing countries, named after an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed Friday, with barricades, checkpoints and traffic curbs in place across major roads and key areas a day before the summit begins Saturday.

City authorities also declared it a public holiday in an effort to reduce traffic and limit movement across the city. Government offices, schools and many private businesses were closed, reducing traffic and giving security agencies greater control over movement. Some schools shut their doors on Thursday.

Similar measures were imposed in 2023, when New Delhi hosted the G20 summit. The restrictions are disrupting daily life in a capital already notorious for chronic congestion. Millions of vehicles compete for space on its roads each day, and even short trips can stretch into lengthy commutes.

Officials said the restrictions were necessary to ensure the smooth running of the major multilateral gathering. They urged residents to work from home where possible, plan journeys in advance and follow official traffic advisories. But millions of Delhi residents still needed to go to work.

Office workers, delivery drivers and daily wage earners reported difficulties reaching work as roads were closed, routes diverted and traffic restrictions changed. Taxi fares rose in some areas as drivers faced longer routes and congestion, while residents complained of confusion over changing restrictions. Some took to social media to post images of barricaded roads and ask for advice about getting around.