Delhi is moving into high-security mode ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, with around 30,000 security personnel being deployed across the airport, hotels and Bharat Mandapam. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected in India on September 11, while Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to arrive on September 12. The leaders’ meetings are scheduled at Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13, while traffic controls begin a day earlier as delegations start moving across the city.
For residents, the visible change will not be one citywide shutdown. It will be tighter checks, temporary road blocks, convoy corridors, hotel security rings and sudden diversions during VVIP movements. Delhi Traffic Police has asked commuters to plan ahead and use the Metro wherever possible.
Why Is Delhi Putting Around 30,000 Security Personnel On The Ground?
The security plan covers Palam, New Delhi hotels, the summit venue and connecting routes. Fresh reporting says roughly half of the 30,000 personnel are from Delhi Police, with the remaining strength coming from paramilitary forces. The security grid has been divided into sectors, each overseen by a DCP or Additional DCP.
Bharat Mandapam has received layered protection involving Delhi Police, NSG teams, anti-drone systems, snipers and anti-sabotage units. Hotels hosting foreign leaders have also moved under special cover. Staff verification has been carried out, including checks linked to employees’ home states.
Key Highlights
- Around 30,000 security personnel are being positioned across the airport, hotels and summit venue.
- More than 35 important roads may face regulation, with 22 diversion points identified.
- Xi Jinping is likely to arrive September 12; Vladimir Putin is expected September 11.
- Metro services are expected to remain a dependable option during convoy movements.
- Security teams from China and Russia have already reached hotels assigned to their delegations.
Delhi Police has also held an inter-state coordination meeting on BRICS security covering border vigilance, intelligence sharing, aerial surveillance, emergency planning and traffic movement with neighbouring forces, adding an NCR layer to the operation. The same preparations were detailed by the government-run Akashvani News service.
What Traffic Changes Should Delhi Commuters Expect From September 11 To 13?
The biggest public impact will be on roads used by motorcades between Palam, diplomatic hotels and Bharat Mandapam. The official Delhi Traffic Police traffic advisory covers the September 11 to 13 security period. More than 35 controlled roads and 22 diversion points have been identified. Sardar Patel Marg, Shanti Path, Janpath, Akbar Road, Mathura Road, Africa Avenue and APJ Abdul Kalam Road are among routes likely to see regulation.
Restrictions may not remain identical all day. Police can stop traffic briefly as a convoy approaches, reopen a stretch, then regulate another route. That makes travel times harder to predict around Chanakyapuri, Lutyens’ Delhi and Pragati Maidan.
Delhi Traffic Police has posted an official X advisory from Delhi Traffic Police asking people to check affected roads, diversion points, alternate routes, airport routes and public transport before leaving. It also urges passengers to allow extra time and prefer the Metro where convenient.
Airport And Railway Passengers May Need More Buffer Time
Passengers travelling to Indira Gandhi International Airport or major railway stations should leave earlier than usual. The advisory says Metro services remain available, while taxis, autos and buses may face diversions. Emergency and utility vehicles will receive priority passage, though road users should expect short-notice changes near controlled corridors.
Why Do Xi Jinping And Vladimir Putin Require A Bigger Security Ring?
The Russian and Chinese delegations are expected to operate some of the largest motorcades at the summit. Both presidents are also expected to bring some of their own vehicles and convoy cars by aircraft, adding another layer to route planning and movement control.
Putin’s arrival carries a large protective footprint because Russian security teams coordinate with Indian agencies around his aircraft, vehicles, accommodation and movement. Xi’s expected visit is similarly sensitive. Delhi Police’s Special Cell has been assigned responsibility for arrangements linked to the Chinese president, according to current reporting.
There is also a diplomatic reason for intense scrutiny. Xi’s trip would be his first visit to India in seven years, after a gradual easing of India-China tensions. Reuters reported on September 10 that Xi was widely expected in Delhi, although Beijing had not formally confirmed the visit at that point. Putin’s participation has a firmer official signal: the Prime Minister’s Office statement on Vladimir Putin said on August 31 that Narendra Modi looked forward to welcoming him for the September 12–13 summit.
What Should Delhi Residents Watch As The BRICS Summit Begins?
For most people, the simplest rule is to check the route just before leaving rather than rely on yesterday’s diversion map. Convoy timings can change, and restrictions may tighten quickly around hotels, diplomatic zones and Bharat Mandapam.
The capital will also see heavier police presence around sensitive sites, rooftop positions, aerial surveillance and closer checking near interstate borders. These measures are designed around short, controlled movement windows rather than a permanent lockdown of Delhi.
The summit brings leaders and senior delegations from BRICS member and partner countries into a compact part of the capital. The busiest security periods are likely to follow arrivals, hotel departures and scheduled sessions at Bharat Mandapam. Commuters should keep official Delhi Traffic Police updates open, use Metro routes where suitable and build extra time into airport or railway journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Delhi Be Completely Shut During The BRICS Summit?
No. Local restrictions will focus on VVIP routes, hotels, Bharat Mandapam and selected central corridors.
How Many Security Personnel Are Being Deployed?
About thirty thousand security personnel are reported across airports, hotels, routes and Delhi’s main venue.
When Is Vladimir Putin Expected To Arrive?
Vladimir Putin is expected to arrive in India on September 11, ahead of summit meetings.
When Is Xi Jinping Expected In Delhi?
Xi Jinping is likely to arrive September 12; Beijing had not formally confirmed participation yet.
Should Commuters Use The Delhi Metro?
Yes. Traffic Police has advised commuters to prefer Metro travel where convenient during convoy movements.
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