Views from outside the Bharat Mandapam Convention center in New Delhi. | Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma
Security measures also include monitoring aerial activity and scanning the Yamuna. Shahdara Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rajendra Prasad Meena conducted boat patrolling ahead of the summit. DCPs in areas housing major historical sites, such as Rajghat and the Red Fort, have also enhanced security in anticipation of unscheduled visits to these tourist destinations.
Traffic curbs
The Delhi Traffic Police announced traffic diversions and restrictions from 2 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. on Friday in view of VIP and VVIP movements, and advised commuters to plan their journeys and allow extra travel time. Restrictions have been placed on more than 35 roads, with 22 diversion points set up for VIP and VVIP movements.The traffic police advised motorists heading towards the airports, railway stations and inter-State bus terminals to be prepared for extra travel time and to use public transport wherever possible. According to traffic officials, the diversions did not affect normal traffic flow and remained manageable.
Metro services will remain fully operational during the summit. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced that services would start early on September 13. “Delhi Metro train services will begin at 6 am on all corridors on Sunday to facilitate the movement of students appearing for examinations and commuters amid traffic restrictions for the BRICS Summit,” the DMRC posted on X.
City gets makeover
New Delhi has also been given a decorative makeover ahead of the summit. The New Delhi Municipal Council has illuminated 17 major roundabouts, 11 hotel premises and 10 New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) buildings as part of its preparations.The roundabouts being decorated include Patel Chowk, Windsor Place, Mandi House, Shantipath-Kautilya, Shantipath-Panchsheel, Shantipath-Satya Marg, RML, Teen Murti, Q-Point, Claridges Hotel, Samrat Hotel, Ashoka Hotel, Methi, Lok Kalyan Metro Station, Man Singh, York Place and PM Roundabout. Floral decorations have also been carried out at these locations.
The areas surrounding important hotels in the NDMC area have also been beautified with uplighters, LED strings and other decorative lighting arrangements on trees. Trees along roads surrounding these hotels will also be illuminated.