Traffic diversions across central Delhi for BRICS motorcade rehearsal

Delhi will experience traffic diversions for five hours on Wednesday, September 2, as part of a motorcade rehearsal for the BRICS Summit 2026, according to the Delhi Traffic Police. The rehearsal is scheduled from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, during which key roads in the national capital will be closed or restricted for regulated movement. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance and consider using public transportation, especially the metro, to avoid disruptions. The traffic advisory was issued by the Delhi Traffic Police, who emphasized that emergency and essential service vehicles will be allowed unrestricted passage during the rehearsal. This includes medical and utility vehicles, ensuring uninterrupted access to critical services. The police also warned against roadside parking within 200 meters of controlled roads, restricting such activity to designated zones only. Non-destined commercial vehicles are prohibited from entering Delhi during the specified period. Among the roads affected by the diversions are Moti Lal Nehru Marg, Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Akbar Road, Tees January Marg, and Rajesh Pilot Marg. These routes will see temporary closures or rerouting to accommodate the motorcade rehearsal. Alternate routes have been outlined for commuters traveling to major transit hubs, including railway stations and airports. For example, travelers heading to New Delhi Railway Station can choose between three different routes, each passing through specific streets and avenues. Similarly, those heading to Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station are directed along two distinct paths, both avoiding the main affected corridors. For air travelers, the advisory recommends using the metro for trips to Indira Gandhi International Airport. From Gurugram, routes to terminals T3, T4, and T2 involve NH-48, Rao Gairai Singh Marg, and other designated roads, while T1 requires navigating through different sections of NH-48 and nearby flyovers. Commuters from Dwarka are instructed to use Sector-22 and Dwarka Road to reach the airport via the new tunnel connecting to terminal T3. The traffic restrictions extend beyond just road closures. Bus routes may also experience diversions due to the movement of VIP vehicles. However, metro services will remain fully operational at all stations, providing an alternative for those seeking to avoid the congestion. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also subject to temporary rerouting, and drivers are encouraged to follow the guidance of traffic personnel to ensure smooth flow. The advisory highlights the importance of planning ahead, urging commuters to adjust their schedules and allow additional travel time. Specific attention is given to areas surrounding major landmarks, including Lodhi Road, Mathura Road, and the Oberoi Hotel. At certain points, such as the U-turn opposite DPS on Mathura Road, traffic heading towards Bharat Mandapam will be redirected through the Lodhi Flyover and an underpass. Additionally, traffic moving towards the Oberoi Hotel and Golf Link will be permitted through a designated route near the Oberoi Flyover. The traffic police have also outlined measures to manage movement around Mandi House, directing vehicles arriving from Feroz Shah Road, Bhagwan Das Road, and Copernicus Marg to Barakhamba Road. This ensures that traffic flows efficiently into New Delhi, covering Central, North, West, and South Delhi. Meanwhile, traffic destined for East Delhi will be rerouted through Sikandra Marg. As preparations for the BRICS Summit 2026 intensify, these traffic adjustments underscore the logistical challenges involved in hosting a large-scale international event in the heart of the country’s capital. With the summit set to take place at Bharat Mandapam from September 11 to 13, the rehearsal serves as a crucial test run for the extensive security and mobility arrangements planned for the occasion.