Delhi Traffic Advisory: Road diversions near Bharat Mandapam on May 21
Synopsis
Delhi Traffic Police has issued a road diversion advisory for a twin-summit rehearsal at Bharat Mandapam on 21 May, with restrictions from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The dry run precedes the International Big Cat Alliance Summit and India-Africa Forum Summit scheduled from 28 May to 1 June — a diplomatic double-header that will lock down central Delhi for days.
Key Takeaways
Delhi Traffic Police issued a traffic advisory on 19 May for a summit rehearsal at Bharat Mandapam on 21 May .
Road restrictions will be in effect between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
The rehearsal precedes the International Big Cat Alliance Summit and India-Africa Forum Summit , both at Bharat Mandapam from 28 May to 1 June .
Entry into the New Delhi district may be restricted to the Ring Road and Vande Mataram Marg during the advisory period.
Airport-bound traffic via NH-8 and Gurgaon Road through Dhaula Kuan will remain unaffected.
Visitors to Bharat Mandapam must park at Bhairon Mandir and use Gates 4 and 10 only.
Delhi Traffic Police on Tuesday, 19 May issued a detailed traffic advisory for a high-level summit rehearsal at Bharat Mandapam on Wednesday, 21 May, warning commuters of restrictions, diversions, and regulated movement across several key stretches in the national capital between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The rehearsal is being conducted ahead of two major international events — the International Big Cat Alliance Summit and the India-Africa Forum Summit — both scheduled at Bharat Mandapam from 28 May to 1 June.
Why the Rehearsal Is Being Held
Authorities are conducting a full-scale dry run to stress-test security and logistics protocols before the twin summits bring a large influx of dignitaries and delegates to the venue. Bharat Mandapam, which has previously hosted the G20 Summit, is once again at the centre of high-security diplomatic activity. The rehearsal on Wednesday mirrors the movement restrictions that will be in force during the actual events later this month.
Key Roads Affected and Alternate Routes
According to the advisory, entry into the New Delhi district may be permitted only via the Ring Road and Vande Mataram Marg during the four-hour window. Major stretches including SP Marg and Mathura Road may be temporarily closed or affected depending on real-time traffic requirements.
Commuters have been advised to use the following corridors based on their direction of travel:
- North to South Delhi: Ring Road via Rajghat and Sarai Kale Khan.
- West to South Delhi: Ring Road through Dhaula Kuan, Moti Bagh, and Bikaji Cama Place.
- East to South Delhi: Ring Road via Sarai Kale Khan and the Barapullah-Ashram Chowk corridor.
Airport-bound passengers have been assured that the NH-8 corridor and Gurgaon Road through Dhaula Kuan will remain open, minimising disruption to air travellers.
Access to Key Destinations
Commuters heading to Connaught Place via the W-Point on Tilak Marg have been advised to switch to Sikandara Road or DDU Marg. The outer circle of Rajiv Chowk and the Connaught Place area will remain accessible through Sansad Marg, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, and Barakhamba Road.
Visitors to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital should use Sheikh Abdul Rehman Marg, while those heading to the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, or Patiala House Courts have been directed to use Tilak Marg for access.
Parking and Entry at Bharat Mandapam
Those visiting Bharat Mandapam during the rehearsal have been instructed to park at the Bhairon Mandir parking area and enter only through Gates 4 and 10. Designated cab pick-up and drop-off points, DTC bus halts, and app-based taxi services will all operate through the same access points.
Real-Time Navigation and Alerts
The traffic police stated that commuters can rely on online navigation platforms for live diversion updates. Voice-guided alerts will also be activated on digital navigation systems to warn commuters before they approach affected stretches. Similar restrictions are expected to remain in force during the actual summits between 28 May and 1 June, and residents of central Delhi should plan their travel accordingly for that period as well.
Point of View
But it signals the scale of security planning for what is effectively a back-to-back diplomatic event — the Big Cat Alliance and India-Africa Forum summits running across five days. Central Delhi will face recurring disruption through early June, and the cumulative impact on daily commuters, hospitals, and courts in the affected zone deserves more public communication than a single-day advisory. Authorities would do well to release a consolidated movement calendar for the full summit period rather than issuing piecemeal advisories that leave residents guessing.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Delhi Traffic Police issued a traffic advisory for 21 May 2025?
The advisory has been issued for a high-level rehearsal at Bharat Mandapam on 21 May, ahead of the International Big Cat Alliance Summit and India-Africa Forum Summit scheduled from 28 May to 1 June. Road restrictions will be in force between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Which roads in Delhi will be affected on 21 May?
SP Marg and Mathura Road may be temporarily closed or affected. Entry into the New Delhi district is likely to be restricted to the Ring Road and Vande Mataram Marg during the advisory window.
Will airport-bound traffic be disrupted?
No. The NH-8 corridor and Gurgaon Road through Dhaula Kuan will remain open for passengers travelling to the airport, according to the traffic advisory.
What are the alternate routes for commuters in Delhi on 21 May?
North-south commuters should use the Ring Road via Rajghat and Sarai Kale Khan. West-south commuters should use Dhaula Kuan, Moti Bagh, and Bikaji Cama Place. East-south commuters should use the Barapullah-Ashram Chowk corridor.
Where should visitors to Bharat Mandapam park on 21 May?
Visitors have been instructed to park at the Bhairon Mandir parking area and enter Bharat Mandapam only through Gates 4 and 10. Cab services and DTC buses will also operate from these designated access points.
