NEW DELHI — Heavy traffic is a common issue in New Delhi, but it tends to become even worse when foreign leaders visit the city. As the Indian capital gets ready to host a BRICS summit this weekend, some of the busiest areas have been transformed into tightly controlled security zones.
While many residents take pride in welcoming global leaders, the resulting traffic mayhem is testing their patience and leading to complaints about how the city handles significant events. The BRICS group includes 11 major emerging and developing nations, identified by the acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
On Friday, thousands of police and paramilitary forces were deployed. Barricades and checkpoints were set up across major roads and key areas just one day ahead of the summit starting Saturday. To help reduce traffic and limit movements during this time, city officials also declared a public holiday.
This closure affected government offices, schools, and numerous private businesses, further easing congestion and allowing security agencies to better control the situation. Some schools even closed their doors a day early. Similar measures were implemented in 2023 during the G20 summit hosted by New Delhi.
The strict traffic regulations are disrupting daily life in a city already known for its gridlock. Every day, millions of vehicles compete for space on the roads, making even short trips take an excessively long time.
Authorities explained that the restrictions are essential for ensuring the successful execution of this major international gathering. They advised residents to work from home, plan their trips ahead of time, and follow official traffic updates.
However, many Delhi residents still needed to commute to work. Office workers, delivery drivers, and daily wage earners faced challenging conditions as roads were blocked, routes rerouted, and traffic rules frequently changed. In some areas, taxi fares increased as drivers dealt with longer routes and heavy congestion, leaving many residents expressing frustration over the unclear traffic restrictions.
People took to social media to share images of blocked roads and seek guidance on how to navigate the city.
Neeraj Kumar, an autorickshaw driver with 35 years of experience, pointed out that the restrictions disproportionately impact lower-income residents. “If a one-kilometer trip turns into an eight-kilometer detour, what are we supposed to do?” he asked. Kumar emphasized that the government should ensure the security of foreign delegates without causing trouble for locals.
A young delivery driver, Mohammed Eliyas, shared his concerns as well. “These restrictions mean that many of us won’t be able to earn for several days. Even if we reach work, we’ll just get stuck in traffic,” he said.
Notable attendees at the summit include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The BRICS group, which has grown from its founding members to include 11 nations, now represents about half of the world’s population and plays a vital role in global energy, resources, and economic output. The coalition is seeking to establish a stronger presence in a global landscape traditionally dominated by the United States and its Western allies, gaining traction in various countries of the Global South that have criticized Western-led financial systems.
