Delhi traffic slowed to a crawl across several key stretches on Monday as multiple factors,  VIP movements for the AI Impact Summit 2026, the ongoing wedding season, and the start of board examinations, converged to trigger congestion across central and south Delhi. While the situation was comparatively better than last week, commuters still faced long delays through Lutyens’ Delhi and adjoining arterial roads.

VIP Movement for AI Summit Adds Pressure

The primary reason for Monday’s congestion was route restrictions and heavy VIP movement for Day One of the summit at Bharat Mandapam. Thousands of delegates and attendees arriving at the venue led to heavy traffic outside the complex, with vehicles moving bumper-to-bumper for most of the day.

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Traffic police had issued an advisory on Sunday warning of diversions due to convoys of heads of state, ministers and international delegates. Restrictions remain in place around Bharat Mandapam and 10 designated hotels, eight in New Delhi and two in southwest Delhi, where foreign dignitaries are staying.

With the summit scheduled until February 20, commuters are bracing for continued disruptions due to rolling route restrictions.

Central Delhi’s Key Corridors Witness Long Snarls

Heavy congestion was reported across radial roads in central Delhi, including India Gate C-Hexagon, Tilak Marg, Mandi House, ITO junction, Barakhamba Road and Ashoka Road. The impact cascaded into large parts of central and south Delhi.

“I usually take 25 minutes from Dhaula Kuan to Connaught Place, but today it took me over an hour,” said Yogesh Verma, who was stuck near Sardar Patel Marg.

Diversions were implemented at key points such as Neela Gumbad and Bhairon Marg. Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dinesh Kumar Gupta said day one of the summit went smoothly and authorities would ensure minimal inconvenience to students appearing for board exams.

Board Exams, Wedding Season Add to Rush

Apart from VIP movements, the rush of wedding-related travel and students heading to board examination centres further strained roads. Many parents visited centres in advance to assess parking and alternate routes.

Ved Prakash Aggarwal, whose daughter has a Class 12 exam centre 8-9 km away from Minto Road, said they plan to leave early and keep backup routes ready.

Water Pipeline Burst Worsens ITO Traffic

An unexpected factor compounded the chaos, repair work by the Delhi Jal Board after a burst water pipeline near ITO. Slow-moving traffic was reported on Vikas Marg from Laxmi Nagar towards ITO due to repairs near Vikas Minar. Commuters were advised to avoid the stretch, especially during peak hours.

Ring Road, Outer Ring Road Also Affected

Traffic disruptions extended to parts of Ring Road and Outer Ring Road, including stretches near Hyatt Regency till Sarai Kale Khan, Mathura Road, Greater Kailash, Chirag Dilli flyover, Okhla Metro station and Mahipalpur Road.

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Police said preparations include deployment of 15 DCPs and around 4,200 traffic personnel, with the city divided into 10 monitoring zones. However, staffing constraints remain a challenge, with the traffic police operating with vacancies and personnel diverted for VIP duties.

With the summit continuing and board exams beginning Tuesday, more congestion is likely across the Capital in the coming days.