AI Summit and Cricket Match Bring Delhi to a Standstill, Even Alternate Routes Fail

New Delhi: Delhi witnessed massive traffic chaos on Wednesday as the combination of an AI Summit, heavy VVIP movement, and a major cricket match brought large parts of the capital to a near standstill. Commuters faced severe congestion from morning till late night, with even the alternate routes suggested by the Delhi Traffic Police failing to provide relief.

The situation was especially difficult in central and south Delhi areas, where traffic restrictions were imposed due to high-level international visits and official events.

VVIP Movement Disrupts Traffic for Hours

According to officials, the AI Summit resulted in continuous movement of heads of state and high-profile guests across the city. Traffic restrictions were imposed on several key routes to ensure smooth passage for dignitaries, causing long delays for the general public.

French President Emmanuel Macron Visits AIIMS

One of the major disruptions occurred when French President Emmanuel Macron visited AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences). During his movement from the hotel to AIIMS, traffic was completely stopped on the route.

This led to heavy congestion on the Outer Ring Road, Ring Road, and several connecting roads. Areas surrounding AIIMS also experienced severe gridlock, with vehicles moving at a crawling pace for hours.

Traffic Advisory Issued Till 10 PM

In the evening, Delhi Traffic Police issued a special advisory valid till 10 PM, as several foreign dignitaries and VVIP guests were scheduled to arrive at Bharat Mandapam for summit-related events.

Authorities said most VVIP guests were staying in different hotels across Delhi, and their movement towards Bharat Mandapam was expected at different times, leading to repeated traffic diversions and restrictions.

Alternate Routes Also Witness Heavy Congestion

To ease the situation, Delhi Traffic Police advised commuters to use alternate roads such as:

San Martin Marg, Panchsheel Marg, APJ Abdul Kalam Road, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Lodhi Road, Aurobindo Marg, South Avenue Road, Vande Mataram Marg, Barapulla Road, Ring Road, Tilak Marg, Firoz Shah Road, Rafi Marg, Sansad Marg, and Captain Kamaraj Marg.

However, commuters reported that most of these alternative routes also remained heavily congested due to increased traffic load, leaving people with no effective escape from the jam.

Cricket Match Adds to Chaos Near Delhi Gate

Adding to the problem, a cricket match caused traffic congestion around the Delhi Gate area, affecting movement from morning until afternoon.

Public Faces Long Delays

Residents complained of long waiting hours, missed appointments, and delayed travel across the city. Many commuters were forced to take longer detours, while some even avoided travel altogether.

The day highlighted the increasing challenges Delhi faces in managing large-scale international events alongside regular city movement, with many urging authorities to develop better traffic planning and crowd management systems for such occasions.