Auto drivers and delivery workers struggle amid BRICS traffic restrictions. (Img: Google )
New Delhi: The BRICS Summit 2026 has brought unprecedented security arrangements to New Delhi, but strict VVIP movement restrictions have created financial challenges for thousands of daily wage workers. Auto drivers, e-rickshaw operators and delivery riders say reduced passenger movement, longer routes and blocked roads have affected their daily income.
As global leaders arrive in Delhi for the high-profile summit, authorities have imposed traffic restrictions on more than 35 roads and created multiple diversion points, changing the daily routine of commuters and gig workers in central parts of the city.
New Delhi has turned into a high-security zone as India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit, bringing together global leaders, diplomats and senior officials from across the world.
To ensure smooth movement of VVIP convoys, Delhi Traffic Police has implemented extensive traffic management measures, including road restrictions, route diversions and security checkpoints.
More than 35 major roads have witnessed restrictions, while traffic diversions have been activated at around 22 locations. Several important routes, including Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Akbar Road, Janpath, Ashoka Road, Barakhamba Road and Mathura Road, have been affected.
While the arrangements are aimed at ensuring the safety of international leaders, the restrictions have created difficulties for workers whose livelihoods depend on daily road movement.
For Delhi’s auto drivers, e-rickshaw operators and delivery workers, every hour on the road directly impacts their income. Many gig workers depend on multiple daily trips to complete food delivery, grocery orders, courier services and passenger rides. However, security restrictions and traffic diversions have increased travel time, reduced orders and limited access to important areas.
Workers operating in New Delhi and Central Delhi districts have reported a decline in passenger availability and fewer delivery opportunities. For some newly joined gig workers, the impact has been significant. A 19-year-old delivery worker from Darjeeling, who had recently started working in Delhi, said that traffic restrictions affected two days of his earnings during his first week of work.
The traffic restrictions are part of one of the largest security operations conducted in the national capital for an international summit. Delhi has been placed under a multi-layered security framework with around 30,000 security personnel deployed across important locations.
Nearly 700 CCTV cameras have been installed across key areas, especially along routes used by foreign leaders travelling between hotels and Bharat Mandapam, the summit venue at Pragati Maidan. The security deployment includes Delhi Police personnel, paramilitary forces, Special Protection Group (SPG), National Security Guard (NSG), anti-drone technology and other advanced surveillance systems.
Routes connecting airports, luxury hotels, diplomatic zones and Bharat Mandapam have received special attention from security agencies. Lutyens Delhi has witnessed increased security activity as foreign leaders move through designated routes during summit engagements.
Traffic officials have created special movement corridors for VVIP convoys, with restrictions implemented at multiple points to avoid disruptions. Areas around Pragati Maidan, India Gate, Connaught Place, Patel Chowk and other central locations have witnessed changes in normal traffic patterns.
The traffic restrictions have also affected regular commuters travelling through central Delhi. Vehicles approaching restricted zones have been diverted through alternate routes, leading to longer travel times and congestion at several locations.
Traffic police have advised residents and visitors to plan journeys in advance, avoid restricted routes and allow additional travel time during summit-related movements.
The BRICS Summit has highlighted the challenge of balancing national security requirements with the economic realities of local communities. Security agencies consider strict arrangements essential for protecting world leaders and ensuring the successful conduct of the international event.
However, small transport operators, delivery workers and other members of Delhi’s informal workforce often face temporary financial setbacks whenever major global events lead to road restrictions. For many workers, fewer trips during peak working hours directly translate into reduced daily earnings.
The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi has brought together leaders from BRICS member countries, partner nations and representatives of international organisations.
The summit is focusing on global economic cooperation, trade partnerships, technology, energy security and major geopolitical challenges. As diplomatic meetings continue, security agencies are maintaining strict monitoring across key areas of the capital.
Traffic restrictions are expected to continue until major VVIP movements related to the BRICS Summit are completed. After the departure of foreign leaders and conclusion of summit activities, authorities are expected to gradually restore normal traffic movement across affected areas.
For Delhi’s daily earners, the immediate challenge remains recovering lost business and returning to regular work conditions after days of disruption.
