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22 Diversions
22 Diversions, VIP Convoys, AI Summit Flashbacks: Delhi Braces For Twin Bharat Mandapam Events
Delhi is preparing for major traffic diversions, VIP convoy movement and route changes as Bharat Mandapam hosts India-Africa and Big Cat summits
If the AI Impact Summit earlier this year was any indication, Delhi commuters may want to brace for another difficult week on the roads.
With Bharat Mandapam set to host two major international summits from May 28 onwards, the national capital is once again slipping into full summit mode — complete with convoy rehearsals, traffic diversions, tightened security and route changes that could affect large parts of central Delhi.
The fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) and the first International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit will be held back-to-back at the Pragati Maidan venue, bringing in foreign delegations, ministers, conservation experts and senior officials from dozens of countries.
According to a report by The Indian Express, Delhi Traffic Police has drawn up a detailed management plan after the heavy congestion and confusion witnessed during the AI Summit in February. That event had triggered long snarls around central Delhi, with many commuters complaining of sudden diversions and extended travel times.
This time, police say they are trying to get ahead of the chaos.
For starters, there will be 22 traffic diversions during the summit period. Officials are also coordinating directly with Google Maps and MapmyIndia so navigation apps can reroute commuters away from roads being used for VIP movement.
In practical terms, that could mean your regular route through central Delhi suddenly disappearing from GPS suggestions during convoy movement.
The Express report quoted traffic officials as saying that commuters travelling between east and west Delhi may be redirected through peripheral roads instead of central Delhi when dignitary movement is underway. Similar arrangements were used during Republic Day movement management earlier this year.
The police have already started convoy drills between the airport, hotels and Bharat Mandapam. Anyone travelling through Lutyens’ Delhi or key arterial stretches over the next few days is likely to encounter intermittent restrictions as these rehearsals intensify.
Around 4,000 traffic personnel are expected to be deployed, apart from local police, paramilitary forces and specialised security teams. Foreign dignitaries are expected to begin arriving from May 27.
Authorities also appear keen to avoid one specific problem that surfaced during the AI Summit: transport confusion outside the venue.
At the time, several attendees reportedly struggled to find cabs after sessions ended, with some forced to walk long distances before finding transport. This time, taxi aggregators are being brought into the planning process early, and designated pick-up and drop-off points are expected near Bharat Mandapam. DTC shuttle buses are also likely to run from public gates at the venue.
The preparations, however, are extending beyond traffic management.
In recent days, civic authorities have also begun shifting homeless people from roadsides, flyovers and central verges along important summit routes to shelter homes. The move follows inspections by multiple agencies in central Delhi and other ‘high-visibility’ areas linked to summit movement.
The India-Africa Forum Summit is returning after more than a decade and is expected to focus on trade, defence cooperation, connectivity, energy security, healthcare and skill development between India and African nations. India has invited all African countries to participate.
The International Big Cat Alliance Summit, meanwhile, will bring together countries and conservation groups working on the protection of seven big cat species, including tigers, lions, leopards, cheetahs and snow leopards.
When are the two summits happening in Delhi?
The India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) will be held from May 28 to May 31, while the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit is scheduled for June 1 at Bharat Mandapam.
Which areas of Delhi are likely to see the biggest traffic impact?
Central Delhi, Pragati Maidan and routes connecting the airport, Bharat Mandapam and hotels hosting foreign delegates are expected to witness the heaviest restrictions and diversions.
How many traffic diversions are planned?
Delhi Traffic Police is planning 22 diversions during the summit period.
Will office-goers face delays?
Possibly. Commuters travelling through central Delhi, especially during peak VIP movement hours, may face delays, diversions and temporary restrictions.
When will foreign delegates begin arriving?
Officials expect dignitaries and delegations to begin arriving in Delhi from May 27 onwards.
Will Bharat Mandapam remain open to the public during the events?
Access around Bharat Mandapam is expected to remain heavily regulated during the summit period, with strict security checks and controlled entry zones.
Source: News18.com
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