Traffic Chaos Grips New Delhi Ahead of BRICS Summit in India
Strict security measures implemented for the BRICS summit in India's capital, New Delhi, along with road closures, are negatively impacting daily life and traffic.
As India prepares to host the BRICS summit, New Delhi residents have been hit with heavy traffic disruptions and strict security measures. Thousands of security personnel have been deployed, a public holiday has been declared citywide, and roads have been closed.
Security Measures Ahead of the Summit
India's capital, New Delhi, is finalizing preparations for the BRICS summit taking place this weekend, transforming the city's busiest areas into high-security zones.
A day before the start of the summit, thousands of police and military personnel were deployed, while barricades, checkpoints, and various traffic restrictions were implemented on main roads.
Public Holiday and Closed Institutions
City authorities declared a public holiday in an effort to reduce movement and ease traffic. Consequently, government offices, schools, and numerous private businesses have suspended operations.
It was noted that the primary purpose of these measures is to limit traffic congestion in the crowded capital and expand the operational space for security forces.
Disruptions to Daily Life
In a city known for millions of vehicles on the road every day, the additional restrictions have negatively impacted daily life and transportation.
Office workers, couriers, and daily-wage laborers expressed that they faced major difficulties getting to work, while taxi fares also increased in some areas.
Reactions from Workers and Drivers
Bus drivers and delivery workers voiced that these strict measures and route changes directly hit low-income earners and daily wage earners.
Neeraj Kumar, a long-time taxi driver, emphasized that security precautions should not endanger the rights and livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
Leaders Attending the Summit
The summit, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, is expected to be attended by prominent figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
With its expanding membership structure, BRICS represents approximately half of the world's population and a significant portion of global economic output.