Traffic movement in a number of places in Delhi, especially central and south Delhi, is expected to be affected on Wednesday because the Delhi Police will be holding an entire motorcade rehearsal in preparation for the upcoming BRICS Summit (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) is to be held at Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13. The motorcade rehearsal will be taking place for the second day in a row between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
A notice has been issued by the traffic police in Delhi about the restrictions on various main roads during the rehearsal. Drivers have been asked to plan their trips and use other roads.
According to the advisory, 22 main roads and across more than 35 roads are to be affected during the rehearsal. These include Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Akbar Road, Teen January Marg, Rajesh Pilot Marg, Subramania Bharti Marg, Mathura Road, Motilal Nehru Marg, Zakir Hussain Marg, Africa Avenue Road, Satya Marg, Shanti Path, Janpath, Ashoka Road, Barakhambha Road, Tolstoy Marg, Niti Marg, Panchsheel Marg, Mustafa Kemal Attaturk Marg, APJ Abdul Kalam Road and, Press Enclave Road, among others.
Traffic approaching controlled stretches will be diverted through alternate routes, including Ring Road, IP Marg, Delhi Gate, Sikandra Road, Lodhi Road, Aurobindo Marg, and Vande Mataram Marg.
While Tuesday’s practice was carried out only by Delhi Police personnel, officers from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) are also supposed to take part in Wednesday’s practice drill. Further drills are also expected before the summit.
“The objective is to assess our preparedness for the BRICS Summit, identify potential challenges, and address them well in advance. We are also evaluating where restrictions may be needed and how to minimise inconvenience to the public. Since it is a prestigious international event hosted by India, Delhi must leave a positive impression with seamless arrangements” said Ajay Chaudhry, special commissioner of police (traffic).
