NEW DELHI:
Delhi has been placed under a tight security blanket ahead of the two-day 18th BRICS Summit beginning Saturday at Bharat Mandapam, with around 15,000 Delhi Police personnel, 200 companies of paramilitary forces and more than 500 CCTV cameras deployed across the capital.
Delhi Traffic Police said there would be no shutdown of the city but warned commuters to expect temporary stoppages, diversions and restrictions during the movement of VVIP convoys. The duration of such stoppages will depend on the security situation and ground conditions.
More than 35 roads could be affected, including Mathura Road, Sardar Patel Marg, Shanti Path, Janpath, Ashoka Road, Barakhamba Road, Tolstoy Marg, Africa Avenue Road, Niti Marg, Panchsheel Marg and APJ Abdul Kalam Road.
Officials said the arrangements would cover the airport, hotels, Bharat Mandapam and other locations to be visited by foreign dignitaries. More than 500 CCTV cameras, including facial-recognition and number-plate-reading systems, will provide round-the-clock surveillance in the New Delhi zone.
Nearly 4,800 traffic personnel have been deployed. Police said a single day could see around 70 to 80 or more high-security movements involving visiting leaders travelling between airports, hotels, the summit venue and other engagements.
The Delhi Metro and city buses will continue to operate, though temporary restrictions, diversions or curtailments could be imposed. Autos, taxis and app-based cabs will also operate, but their movement in controlled areas could be affected.
Police have advised candidates appearing for UPSC, NDA, CDS and other examinations to check their routes in advance. People travelling for planned hospital appointments have also been asked to allow additional time.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reached Delhi on Friday for the summit, while China confirmed President Xi Jinping’s attendance. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus are among other dignitaries expected to attend.