New Delhi residents are experiencing severe traffic disruptions and heightened security measures as India prepares to host the BRICS summit. Parts of the capital have been transformed into heavily controlled security zones, with thousands of police and paramilitary personnel deployed and barricades, checkpoints, and traffic restrictions implemented across major roads.
The summit, bringing together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, among other member nations, prompted authorities to declare a public holiday for government offices, schools, and many private businesses to reduce traffic and limit movement. Some schools began closing as early as Thursday.
These restrictions are impacting daily life in a city already known for its chronic traffic congestion. Office workers, delivery drivers, and daily wage earners have reported difficulties reaching their destinations due to road closures and rerouted traffic. Taxi fares have increased in some areas as drivers navigate longer routes and congestion, and residents have expressed confusion over the constantly changing restrictions.
Officials stated the measures are necessary for the smooth execution of the multilateral gathering and advised residents to work from home if possible, plan journeys in advance, and adhere to traffic advisories. However, many essential workers are finding it challenging to commute, with some reporting that extended detours are significantly increasing travel distances and time.
"If a one-kilometer journey turns into an eight-kilometer detour, what are we supposed to do?" asked Neeraj Kumar, an autorickshaw driver with 35 years of experience. He suggested that authorities should ensure security arrangements for foreign delegates do not negatively affect residents.
Mohammed Eliyas, a delivery driver, expressed concern that the restrictions would prevent many workers from earning income for several days. "Even if we reach work, we will get stuck in traffic. We won’t be able to work," he said.
Similar measures were put in place in 2023 when New Delhi hosted the G20 summit. The BRICS group has expanded to include 11 countries, representing a substantial portion of the global population and significant shares of global energy, resources, and economic output. The bloc aims to play a more prominent role in the international order and has garnered support from countries in the Global South critical of Western-led financial institutions.