If you’re planning to commute through Central Delhi today, you might want to rethink that route. Have you noticed the increased security presence and the unusually quiet stretches near the high-profile zones?

The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 is now live at Bharat Mandapam. Delhi is prepping for more than just tech talk. World leaders and tech titans are arriving in the capital. To manage the rush, Delhi Police has issued a full traffic advisory.

From Mathura Road to Janpath, the heart of the city is currently under a “VVIP bubble.” But what does this mean for your daily hustle, and how can you navigate the chaos?

The “No-Go” Zones: Which Roads Should You Avoid?

The arrival of global figures like French President Emmanuel Macron and industry leaders like Sundar Pichai has necessitated a massive security cordoning. If your GPS is bleeding red, it’s likely because of the restrictions on these major arteries:

• Mathura Road & Bhairon Marg: Expect heavy regulation near the Pragati Maidan tunnels.
• The VVIP Corridor: Roads like Akbar Road, Janpath, and Sardar Patel Marg are seeing intermittent closures to allow for convoy movements.
• Old Delhi Connections: Movement is thinned out on Subramania Bharti Marg and parts of the Ring Road near the ISBT Kashmere Gate stretch.

Why the sudden intensity? This isn’t just another conference. The 2026 Summit is being hailed as the “G20 of Tech,” focusing on AI ethics and the Global South’s role in the future of automation. When the stakes are this high, the security protocols follow suit.

Smart Commuting: Is the Metro Your Best Bet?

In a word: Yes.

While the roads are unpredictable, the Delhi Metro remains the most reliable lifeline. However, keep in mind that entry/exit points at stations like Supreme Court (Pragati Maidan) and Khan Market might be temporarily restricted or undergo extra security checks.

Are you heading to the airport or the New Delhi Railway Station? The authorities have suggested sticking to the Airport Express Line or the Pink Line to bypass the surface-level gridlock. If you must drive, the DND Flyway and the Barapullah Elevated Road are currently the preferred “bypass” routes, though volume remains high.

A Special Note for Students and Exam Takers

With the CBSE Board Exams coinciding with this global summit, the timing couldn’t be trickier. If you have a student at home or are appearing for an exam yourself, the “buffer time” rule is no longer optional.

Nodal officers are reportedly stationed at key junctions to assist students carrying admit cards, but relying on a last-minute dash is risky. The goal is to be at your center at least 60 to 90 minutes early. Can you imagine the stress of a traffic snarl on the day of a major paper? It’s better to be bored in an exam hall than stuck on Mathura Road.

Final Thoughts: The Price of Progress

While the traffic diversions are a temporary headache, the conversations happening behind the closed doors of Bharat Mandapam are set to define the next decade of technology. From AI-driven healthcare to crypto-regulation, Delhi is currently the nerve center of the future.

The restrictions are expected to remain in place through February 20. Our advice? Keep a tab on the Delhi Police’s social media handles for real-time updates and, whenever possible, opt for virtual meetings this week.

How are you navigating the city during the summit? Drop a comment or share your “secret” shortcut routes below-we’d love to hear how you’re beating the VVIP rush!