As preparations unfold for the upcoming G20 Summit scheduled to take place in Delhi from September 8 to 10, the city is gearing up to implement substantial access restrictions during this period. The summit, set to be attended by prominent global leaders including Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Emmanuel Macron, and Justin Trudeau, will witness limited entry into the city, exclusively permitting residents and essential service personnel.In a bid to ensure the smooth execution of the summit and accommodate the presence of dignitaries, the Delhi Police have unveiled a comprehensive traffic plan. This plan delineates controlled and regulated zones across the city, with the focal point being the New Delhi district, often referred to as the Lutyens' Zone.
During the summit days, the most stringent regulations will be enforced, particularly on September 9 and 10, impacting accessibility to key areas within the city. Residents and essential service workers who can substantiate their identities will be the sole entrants to these designated zones.
According to authorities, the traffic plan aims to strike a balance between facilitating the dignitaries' movement and ensuring minimal inconvenience to residents. As part of the plan, an array of transportation options will be made available, including a dedicated helpdesk on the Delhi Police website. This helpdesk will offer comprehensive information about accessible transportation alternatives and medical facilities during the event.
While restrictions will be in place for various forms of transportation, officials have clarified that emergency services, including ambulance movement, will remain unaffected. To circumvent the impact on bus services during the summit, commuters are advised to utilize the metro for their daily commutes.
The traffic plan categorizes the affected areas into controlled and regulated zones. The controlled zones encompass the immediate vicinity of the summit venue, with certain districts falling under Controlled Zone 1 and specific roads and regions surrounding key landmarks allocated to Controlled Zone 2.
In an effort to ensure convenience for residents, auto-rickshaws and taxis will be allowed within Controlled Zone 1, provided they are transporting residents or tourists with confirmed hotel bookings in the zone. However, careful oversight will be necessary to ensure the smooth implementation of these regulations.
While these measures might present challenges, officials assert that they are essential to maintain the security and decorum of the G20 Summit. Over 10,000 police personnel will be deployed across the city to oversee traffic management and ensure a secure environment during the summit.
To accommodate travelers, especially those with flights to catch, checkpoints will be established on roads leading to the New Delhi district. Only authorized vehicles, emergency vehicles, and those transporting passengers to airports or train stations will be granted access during the specified period.
In anticipation of the summit, the government has issued directives to temporarily close markets, offices, schools, and other establishments from September 8 to 10. These measures coincide with the movement of prominent individuals from various countries, who will be navigating between the convention center at Pragati Maidan and numerous hotels within Controlled Zone 1.
As the G20 Summit approaches, Delhi residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed about the latest traffic advisories and transportation options to navigate the city efficiently and comply with the restrictions in place.
