The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a fresh traffic advisory for Thursday, February 19, warning of continued restrictions and diversions across central and south Delhi due to the ongoing AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam.
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to inaugurate the summit in the presence of foreign dignitaries, including French President Emmanuel Macronheavy VIP movement is expected throughout the day. Authorities have cautioned commuters to prepare for congestion, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours.
Delhi Witnesses Two Days of Severe Gridlock
Traffic disruptions have persisted for the past two days as multiple heads of state arrived in the capital. Officials said nearly 50 routes were created for VIP convoys travelling between the airport, hotels, summit venue, and key landmarks.
Major stretches that witnessed long traffic snarls include:
C-Hexagon
Oberoi Flyover
Mathura Road
Lodhi Road Flyover
Raisina Road
Connaught Place
Minto Road
Paharganj
Sardar Patel Marg
AIIMS Flyover
Rao Tularam Marg
Nizamuddin
On Wednesday evening, Mathura Road was temporarily shut when dignitaries departed Bharat Mandapam, triggering widespread congestion across Lutyens’ Delhi. The Supreme Court Metro station was briefly closed for security reasons before reopening.
Several commuters reported delays of up to two to three hours, with some nearly missing flights and trains.
Roads Likely to Be Affected on February 19
Traffic regulations and diversions will remain in place around Bharat Mandapam and adjoining diplomatic and central Delhi areas. The following roads may face restrictions depending on VIP movement:
Sardar Patel Marg
Mother Teresa Crescent
Teen Murti Marg
Akbar Road
Janpath
Windsor Place
Tees January Marg
Prithvi Raj Road
Rajesh Pilot Marg
Subrahmaniam Bharti Marg
Mathura Road (Lodhi Flyover to Bhairon Marg/Dr Dinesh Chander Dalmia stretch)
Shanti Path (Satya Marg to Kautilya Marg roundabouts)
Africa Avenue
Satya Marg (Yashwant Place to Shanti Path)
Dr Zakir Hussain Marg
Traffic movement may also be affected around India Gate, Connaught Place, and routes connecting the airport to central Delhi.
Suggested Alternate Routes
Motorists are advised to use alternative corridors such as:
San Martin Marg
Panchsheel Marg
APJ Abdul Kalam Marg
Kamal Ataturk Marg
Aurobindo Marg
Lodhi Road
South Avenue Road
Vandematram Marg
Barapullah Road
Ring Road
Tilak Marg
Ferozshah Road
Rafi Marg
Sansad Marg
K Kamraj Marg
Advisory for Commuters
The Delhi Traffic Police has urged residents and visitors to:
Plan travel in advance and allow extra time
Avoid affected routes wherever possible
Follow directions issued by traffic personnel
Maintain lane discipline and comply with traffic regulations
Authorities warned that temporary closures of major arterial roads in central Delhi can create ripple effects across the city. With summit events continuing through Friday, intermittent restrictions are likely to remain in force.
Commuters heading to the airport, railway stations, workplaces, or board examinations are advised to leave well in advance to avoid last-minute inconvenience.
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