New Delhi, February 17, 2026: The ongoing AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam has triggered heavy traffic snarls across central Delhi, with commuters facing long delays on key routes. The five-day global event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 16, has drawn over 35,000 delegates including heads of state, ministers, and AI leaders from more than 45 countries. The surge in VIP movement and security arrangements has led to congestion on arterial roads.
Delhi Police issued a detailed traffic advisory, cautioning residents to avoid stretches such as Mathura Road, Sardar Patel Marg, and corridors around Pragati Maidan. Diversions have been put in place to facilitate smooth passage for visiting dignitaries, while shuttle services and public transport have been recommended for delegates. Authorities have also advised travelers heading to Indira Gandhi International Airport to use the Metro, particularly the Airport Express and Magenta lines, to bypass traffic delays.
Despite the advisories, several commuters reported being stuck in jams lasting over an hour, especially near India Gate and ITO. The Delhi Traffic Police said additional personnel have been deployed to manage the situation and urged citizens to plan their journeys in advance. The advisory will remain in force until February 20, when the summit concludes.
The AI Impact Summit, touted as the first major AI conference hosted in the Global South, features 13 country pavilions and showcases indigenous AI models. While the event highlights India’s growing prominence in the global AI landscape, residents in the capital continue to grapple with the civic inconvenience caused by traffic restrictions.
