BRICS Summit 2026 dates: Check traffic advisories, venue, schedule and other details for this week

New Delhi is preparing for a high-security week as India gets ready to host the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit. The main summit will be held from September 11 to 13, 2026, with Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan serving as the venue. For people living in or travelling through Delhi, however, the summit is not only a diplomatic event. The movement of foreign leaders and their motorcades is expected to affect traffic on several major roads, particularly around central Delhi and routes connecting important hotels, the summit venue, railway stations and the airport.

Here is what commuters, office-goers, students and visitors should keep in mind this week.

BRICS Summit 2026 dates

The main BRICS Leaders' Summit is scheduled for September 11, 12 and 13 in New Delhi. The summit comes after months of meetings and events under India's BRICS chairship. The leaders' meeting will bring together representatives of BRICS member and partner countries for discussions on economic, political and global issues. The summit's main venue is Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, one of the capital's key international conference and exhibition venues.

BRICS 2026: Why Delhi traffic may be affected

The biggest issue for ordinary commuters is expected to be the movement of VIP convoys. Delhi Traffic Police has been conducting motorcade rehearsals and preparing diversion plans ahead of the summit. More than 35 roads are expected to come under regulation, while 22 diversion points have been identified as part of the traffic management arrangements.

The affected network extends beyond Pragati Maidan. Routes in central and south Delhi, as well as roads connecting key diplomatic and hotel areas, can see temporary restrictions when a dignitary's convoy passes.

Among the important areas and roads that have figured in the traffic arrangements are Sardar Patel Marg, Janpath, Akbar Road, Mathura Road, Lodhi Road, Mandi House and Dhaula Kuan.

BRICS Traffic Advisory: What should commuters do?

If you have to travel through central Delhi between September 11 and 13, leaving earlier than usual would be sensible. Even a route that normally takes 30 minutes could take considerably longer if a convoy movement temporarily stops traffic.

The Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to use public transport, particularly the Metro, wherever possible. People travelling by car should check traffic updates before leaving and be prepared to change their route.

Those heading towards the airport should also leave sufficient buffer time. Airport-bound traffic can be affected by restrictions on routes leading towards the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

What about railway stations During BRICS Summit?

Travellers going to New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations should also plan ahead. The traffic advisory includes route-management arrangements for passengers travelling to and from these stations. If you have a train to catch during the summit period, it would be safer not to leave home at the last minute.

The same applies to people receiving relatives or friends at the stations.

Delhi schools closed on September 11

One of the immediate changes for Delhi residents is the closure of schools on Friday, September 11.

The Directorate of Education has directed schools in the capital to remain closed that day as part of arrangements for the BRICS Summit. The decision is aimed at reducing traffic pressure and making security and movement arrangements easier during the high-profile event.

Some offices are also expected to remain closed or alter their operations on September 11, depending on the applicable government directions and workplace arrangements.

BRICS: Traffic restrictions may be temporary

Commuters should keep in mind that a road appearing on a BRICS-related traffic advisory does not necessarily mean it will remain shut continuously throughout the day.

Many restrictions are linked to the movement of motorcades and security requirements. Traffic may therefore be regulated, diverted or temporarily stopped before normal movement resumes.

This is why checking live traffic information shortly before travelling will be particularly important during the summit.

Delhi Metro may be the easier option

For people travelling within Delhi, the Metro is likely to be a more predictable option than taking a private vehicle through areas affected by convoy movement.

The traffic police has specifically encouraged commuters to consider public transport during the period of heightened restrictions. Those who do need to drive should keep alternative routes in mind rather than relying entirely on their usual route.

Security arrangements across Delhi

Traffic management is only one part of the preparations. Security has been stepped up around the summit venue and hotels where visiting dignitaries are expected to stay. Authorities have also been coordinating with neighbouring states to manage movement on Delhi's borders and prevent security gaps during the summit.

The Delhi administration has also reviewed arrangements covering traffic, security, civic services and emergency medical response ahead of the event.

What people should keep in mind this week

For Delhi residents, the practical takeaway is fairly simple:

• BRICS Summit: September 11-13, 2026
• Main venue: Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
• Traffic: Restrictions and diversions are expected on several important roads
• Diversion points: 22 identified in the traffic arrangements
• Regulated roads: More than 35 roads may be affected
• September 11: Delhi schools will remain closed
• Airport travel: Leave extra time and check the latest traffic situation
• Rail passengers: Plan additional travel time for New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations
• Preferred transport: Metro and other public transport may be more convenient than private vehicles in affected areas

The safest approach for commuters is to avoid unnecessary travel through the summit's main security corridors, particularly during convoy movements. For essential journeys, checking the latest Delhi Traffic Police directions before starting out could save both time and frustration.

With several world leaders and senior delegations expected in the capital, Delhi is likely to remain under heightened security throughout the summit period. For residents, that means a few days of unusual traffic patterns and restrictions as the city hosts one of the year's biggest diplomatic gatherings.