AI Summit Traffic: Delhi Traffic Crawls Near Barapullah, Kidwai Nagar During Peak Hours

AI summit traffic disruptions led to heavy Delhi traffic congestion near Barapullah and Kidwai Nagar on Wednesday evening as special arrangements came into force for the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

Between 4 pm and 10 pm on February 18, movement was regulated across several central and south Delhi stretches due to security and traffic planning around Bharat Mandapam, the venue hosting the summit. Commuters reported long delays, especially along Barapullah Road and connecting routes during peak hours.

Reacting to the situation, Saurabh Bhardwaj criticised the handling of AI summit traffic. In a post on X, he remarked that basic intelligence was more important than artificial intelligence when it came to managing Delhi traffic near such events.

He further questioned what impression was being created for international delegates attending the summit, pointing to the congestion experienced by residents.

Diversions and Advisory Issued

Ahead of the AI summit traffic plan, authorities had issued an advisory asking motorists to plan travel in advance and avoid key stretches likely to witness high movement. Traffic personnel were deployed at major intersections to regulate the flow.

Alternate routes suggested by officials included San Martin Marg, Panchsheel Marg, APJ Abdul Kalam Marg, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Aurobindo Marg, Lodhi Road, South Avenue Road, Vandematram Marg, Ring Road, Tilak Marg, Ferozshah Road, Rafi Marg, Sansad Marg and K Kamraj Marg.

Delhi Police appealed to drivers to follow lane discipline, avoid unnecessary halts and cooperate with on ground staff to reduce bottlenecks during the AI summit traffic window.

Summit Event at Bharat Mandapam

The Research Symposium on AI and Its Impact is being conducted on February 18 at Bharat Mandapam as the main academic session of the India AI Impact Summit 2026. IIIT Hyderabad is the knowledge partner for the event.

While officials described the arrangements as essential for the smooth conduct of the summit, several commuters said the Delhi traffic situation remained slow moving in affected areas during the evening rush.