No Metro, cabs, roads blocked, AI summit guests walk kilometers
What's the story
Attendees of the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi have complained that they faced severe transportation issues on Wednesday, with many finding themselves walking for kilometers before they could find a mode of transportation. Many attendees said that they had to walk for kilometers to find a cab after the event because the entry of vehicles on the roads outside Bharat Mandapam was restricted for VIP movement.
Public outcry
'Road is closed, go for a walk'
Canadian national Caleb Friesen, who has lived in India for eight years, took to social media to express his frustration. He wrote on X, "No cabs, no pre-arranged shuttle. 'Road is closed, go for a walk.'" "Imagine how international visitors must have felt. Not to mention differently-abled folks," he wrote. Activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj also shared her cousin's experience. "Has been trying to book a cab since 8pm...Roads blocked. Cops not allowing Cabs. Near by Metro station closed," she wrote.
Twitter Post
Watch the video here
Had such a great day at the India AI Impact Summit.
— Caleb (@caleb_friesen) February 18, 2026
But the way it ended (7:40PM) was a huge let-down.
No cabs, no pre-arranged shuttle. "Road is closed, go for a walk."
Imagine how international visitors from must have felt.
Not to mention differently-abled folks. pic.twitter.com/tcHjnQOxwK
Traffic disruption
Situation was comparatively better on Monday and Tuesday
The traffic situation in Delhi worsened on Wednesday with 17 more heads of state arriving. This led to the closure of at least 50 routes for security purposes, causing widespread chaos. "The situation was comparatively better on Monday and Tuesday because only five heads of state had arrived, but with the remaining 17 arriving on Wednesday, we had a far more complicated task at hand," a senior traffic officer told HT on condition of anonymity.
Metro disruption
Traffic expected again on Thursday
Anticipated disruptions were expected to continue into Thursday due to ongoing summit activities and VIP movements. Roads like Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Janpath, Windsor Place, Subrahmaniam Bharti Marg, and Mathura Road may be affected or subject to regulation depending on VIP movement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the India AI Impact Summit 2026. It will also see speeches from French President Emmanuel Macron and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.