Delhi Gears Up for BRICS Summit 2026 with City‑wide Road and Cleanliness Checks

On Saturday, a team led by Delhi’s chief secretary rolled out to the stretch that links Bharat Mandapam with Indira Gandhi International Airport. The purpose? A meticulous once‑over of everything that could affect the smooth arrival of foreign leaders for the two‑day BRICS Summit slated for Sept 12‑13.

What they’re looking at isn’t just the usual pothole‑patching. The checklist runs the gamut – from road surface and signage to footpaths, drainage channels, water‑logging‑prone spots and the overall visual appeal of the route. In other words, they want the city to look as polished as the diplomatic talks that will soon take place.

Several agencies have been roped in for the job. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) will scan the areas under its jurisdiction, especially hotels and venues where delegations will stay. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will focus on cleanliness, stray‑animal control and removing any illegal encroachments. Meanwhile, the Public Works Department (PWD) has been tasked with checking road markings, illumination, signage and, of course, fixing any potholes that could turn a dignitary’s convoy into a bumpy ride.

Drainage isn’t being ignored either. The additional chief secretary for Infrastructure & Financial Control (I&FC) is reviewing water‑logging hot‑spots and emergency de‑watering measures. After all, a sudden downpour could quickly turn a well‑planned route into a logistical nightmare.

And it’s not just about function – the city wants to look the part. Officials will also verify that BRICS branding, beautification efforts and overall city aesthetics are in place along the designated corridors.

Traffic, however, is expected to feel the pinch. From Sept 10 through roughly Sept 14, around 4,800 traffic personnel will be on the ground, orchestrating vehicle movement for foreign delegations and handling regular commuter flow. Commuters should brace for diversions, temporary road closures and possible congestion on at least 22 arterial roads across central, south and southwest Delhi.

Delhi’s traffic police have promised detailed advisories closer to the summit, outlining which roads will be affected, alternate routes and the exact timings of restrictions. The advice is simple: plan ahead, allow extra travel time and stay tuned to official updates.

In short, the capital is pulling out all the stops – from pothole‑filling crews to sanitation squads – to make sure that when world leaders roll in, they see a city that’s not just ready, but genuinely welcoming.