As the G20 Summit approaches (scheduled for September 8-10 at the India Trade Promotion Organisation complex, Pragati Maidan, Delhi), the city is abuzz with preparations, including road beautification, heightened security measures, and police rehearsals. If you plan to be in Delhi or travel to and from the city during these dates, here’s everything you need to know:
No lockdown during the G20 Summit
Despite speculations, Delhi Police has clarified that there will be no lockdown in Delhi during the G20 summit. Essential services like grocery and medical stores, and vegetable, fruit, and milk shops will remain open. However, there will be restrictions on movement in certain parts of the city. Some metro station gates will be closed temporarily from September 8-10. You can stay updated on the traffic situation through Delhi Police’s virtual help desk.
Roads to avoid during the G20 Summit
Delhi Police has advised commuters to avoid areas falling within the following Regulated and Controlled Zones:
- New Delhi district will be considered “Controlled Zone-I” from 5 am on September 8 to 11:59 pm on September 10. Only authorized vehicles, emergency vehicles, and bonafide residents will be allowed to travel.
- The area inside Ring Road (Mahatma Gandhi Marg) will be a “Regulated Zone” during the same period. Access will be limited to authorized vehicles, bonafide residents, emergency vehicles, and those traveling to the airport or railway stations.
- Certain roads and junctions will be “Controlled Zone-II” from midnight to 2 pm on September 10. This includes Vikas Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Delhi Gate, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, and Mahatma Gandhi Marg, among others.
Traveling to Delhi airport during the G20 Summit
Expect longer travel times to the airport from September 8-10. Delhi Police recommends using the Delhi Metro Airport Express Line (Orange Line) connecting New Delhi Station to Dwarka Sector 21 Station via IGI Airport T3. For road travel to the airport, recommended routes are provided for various areas.
Closures in Delhi from September 8-10
During the G20 Summit, the following will be closed:
- Government departments, offices, organizations, and educational institutions
- Private offices and educational institutions
- Commercial banks, financial institutions, shops, and businesses within New Delhi Police District
- Three-seater auto-rickshaws and taxis will not be allowed in New Delhi District from 5 am on September 9 to 11:59 pm on September 10, except for bonafide residents and tourists with hotel bookings in the district.
- Cloud kitchens, food deliveries, and commercial deliveries like Amazon will not be allowed from September 8-10.
Metro stations operational
The earlier request to close the entry and exit gates of 39 metro stations during the G20 Summit has been withdrawn. Metro services will operate as usual at all stations, except the Supreme Court station, where operations may be affected. Tourist Smart Cards for unlimited metro rides can be purchased at dedicated counters in select metro stations from September 4-13.
Outstation trains and flights
Approximately 300 trains will be impacted by the G20 Summit, with cancellations, terminations, route changes, and diversions. Check your train status and routes if you plan to travel during this period. Flight operations at Delhi International Airport may see cancellations and delays, so allow extra time for security and check-in procedures.
Hotels hosting delegates
Delegates attending the G20 Summit will stay at hotels like Taj Palace New Delhi, ITC Maurya, The Imperial New Delhi, and Shangri-La Eros New Delhi. Limited availability is expected at these hotels, and city center hotels are likely to be fully booked due to spill-over bookings for media teams and support functions.
Plan your travel and stay accordingly to navigate Delhi during the G20 Summit smoothly.
