New Delhi is witnessing heightened security on September 11 as India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit. The capital is not completely shut, but several schools, government offices and tourist attractions are closed, while traffic restrictions are expected to affect movement across key parts of the city.
The BRICS Leaders’ Summit will be held on September 12 and 13 at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan. Security measures have been stepped up from September 11 due to the arrival and movement of foreign leaders and senior delegations.
Is Delhi closed on September 11?
No, Delhi is not under a complete shutdown.
Schools across the capital are closed, while several government establishments have been given a holiday. Some private organisations have also advised employees to work from home.
However, markets, restaurants, shops and essential services in most parts of Delhi continue to function. The main challenge for residents and tourists is expected to be road movement and access to areas covered by security arrangements.
What is open?
Commercial areas across Delhi remain operational. Connaught Place, one of the capital’s major shopping and dining hubs, is expected to remain open.
Restaurants, markets and other businesses outside restricted zones are also operating, although individual establishments may change their timings depending on local security conditions.
Delhi Metro services also continue, providing an important alternative to road travel during the summit period.
Which places are closed?
Several tourist and public attractions have been temporarily closed because of security arrangements.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum and Amrit Udyan are closed during the summit period. The Delhi Metro Museum at Supreme Court Metro station is also closed from September 11 to 13.
The Delhi Zoo has also been reported closed temporarily.
Tourists should check the status of individual attractions before heading out, as access can change depending on security requirements.
Traffic restrictions across Delhi
Traffic restrictions are likely to be the biggest disruption for travellers.
Several major roads and stretches across Central, South and New Delhi are subject to diversions and regulated movement. Areas around Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, Mathura Road, Janpath, Ashoka Road, Barakhamba Road, Sardar Patel Marg, Akbar Road, Dhaula Kuan and Moti Bagh are among those expected to see heightened restrictions.
On September 11, major restrictions are expected particularly during the afternoon and evening as visiting leaders move between key locations.
Traffic conditions can change at short notice because of VVIP movements, so normal journey times may not apply.
Travelling to Delhi Airport?
Passengers flying from Indira Gandhi International Airport should leave well in advance.
Airport operations continue as normal, but roads connecting the airport with central Delhi could face congestion, diversions and temporary restrictions.
Travellers with flights between September 11 and 13 should build a significant time buffer into their journey. Where possible, the Delhi Metro can offer a more predictable option for reaching the airport.
What about railway stations?
Rail services continue, but passengers should also allow extra time when travelling to Delhi’s major railway stations.
The biggest issue is likely to be road congestion around the stations rather than disruption to train operations.
Delhi-NCR movement affected
The summit is also having an impact on movement between Delhi and neighbouring NCR cities.
Traffic restrictions and diversions are being implemented on important routes connecting Noida and Delhi, while certain goods vehicles face restrictions during the summit period.
Travellers commuting between Delhi, Noida and other parts of NCR should therefore expect longer journey times and check traffic advisories before leaving.
What should travellers keep in mind?
Visitors in Delhi do not need to cancel their plans altogether, but flexibility will be important.
Travellers should:
- Prefer the Metro over road travel wherever possible.
- Leave early for airports and railway stations.
- Check attraction timings before visiting.
- Avoid unnecessary journeys through high-security zones.
- Expect security checks and sudden traffic diversions.
- Keep additional time for business meetings and sightseeing.
- Follow official traffic advisories during the summit.
Delhi remains open, but travel will be different
Delhi is not completely closed on September 11. Shops, restaurants, markets, essential services and much of the public transport network remain operational.
At the same time, school and government-office closures, temporary attraction shutdowns and extensive traffic restrictions mean that travelling around the capital will require more planning than usual.
With world leaders and senior delegations arriving for the BRICS Summit, security remains the priority. For tourists and residents, the best strategy is simple: plan ahead, use public transport and allow extra time.
Delhi is open — but during the BRICS Summit, navigating the city will take a little more planning.
