Delhi is heading into a week where timing will be everything. As the Capital hosts the AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, commuters are being warned to brace for widespread traffic restrictions. The summit coincides with peak wedding season and the approaching school board examinations a combination that could significantly slow movement across key parts of the city.
On Sunday, the Delhi Traffic Police released a comprehensive advisory detailing diversions and regulated traffic due to expected VIP convoys. Heads of state, ministers and international delegates will be in attendance, leading to controlled movement and temporary road closures in several high-security zones.
Restrictions will be concentrated in central Delhi, particularly around Bharat Mandapam and the ten hotels eight in New Delhi and two in southwest Delhi designated for foreign delegates. Authorities anticipate heavy security deployment and route regulation throughout the summit period.
The advisory lists a wide network of roads likely to be affected. These include Mathura Road (from Subramania Bharti Marg T-point to Lodhi Road flyover), Subramania Bharti Marg, Rajesh Pilot Marg, Tees January Marg, Akbar Road, Teen Murti Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Sardar Patel Marg, Janpath, Firoz Shah Road, Shanti Path, Satya Marg, Africa Avenue, Kamal Ataturk Marg, APJ Abdul Kalam Road, Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, Mahatma Gandhi Marg (Bhikaji Cama Place to Dhaula Kuan), Sikander Road, Ashoka Road, Prithvi Raj Road, Kautilya Marg, Purana Qila Road, Sher Shah Suri Marg, Tilak Marg, Bhagwan Das Road, Sansad Marg, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Aurobindo Marg, Tuglak Road, Panchsheel Marg, San Martin Marg, Nyaya Marg and Brigadier Hoshiyar Singh Marg.
The situation is further complicated by staffing constraints. Delhi Traffic Police is operating with a reported 20% vacancy, and another 10% of personnel are unavailable due to leave, VIP duties and other deployments a shortfall that often becomes visible at major intersections and flyovers.
With wedding related travel surging and exam season increasing daily commute volumes, residents are being urged to check advisories, use public transport where possible and leave early for important engagements. For Delhiites, the coming days will demand careful planning as the city balances global diplomacy with local realities.
