Moneycontrol
    Moneycontrol PRO
    Swing Trading 101
    Swing Trading 101

    ‘Delhi traffic at its worst’: Citizens frustrated as AI Impact Summit, rain create chaos

    The AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam and unexpected rain caused heavy traffic in Delhi. Roads were jammed, making travel slow for commuters, students, and people heading to the airport.

    Teesha Shirodkar
    February 18, 2026 / 18:16 IST
    AI Impact Summit, rain disrupt travel across Delhi and NCR. (Image: @vinodkapri/ @AdityaBidwai/ X)

    New Delhi is facing widespread traffic disruptions as the city grapples with the combined effects of the AI Impact Summit 2026 and unexpected rainfall. People are encountering longer commute times while authorities manage roads to accommodate the high-profile event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.

    On 18 February 2026, authorities announced special traffic arrangements from 4 pm to 10 pm to manage VVIP movement and maintain security around the summit venue. The Delhi Traffic Police urged commuters to plan their journeys and avoid affected roads where possible. This comes after two days of congestion in central, east and south Delhi, caused by summit-related activity, the ongoing wedding season, and board examinations.

    The roads most affected include Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Akbar Road, Janpath and Windsor Place. Other routes likely to see restrictions are Tees January Marg, Prithvi Raj Road, Rajesh Pilot Marg, Subrahmaniam Bharti Marg, Mathura Road between Lodhi Flyover and Bhairon Marg, Shanti Path, Africa Avenue, Satya Marg and Dr Zakir Hussain Marg.

    The traffic police recommend alternate routes to ease congestion. Commuters are advised to use San Martin Marg, Panchsheel Marg, APJ Abdul Kalam Marg, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Aurobindo Marg, Lodhi Road, South Avenue Road, Vandematram Marg, Barapullah Road, Ring Road, Tilak Marg, Ferozshah Road, Rafi Marg, Sansad Marg and K Kamaraj Marg.

    Entry into Bharat Mandapam is strictly controlled after 4 pm, with vehicles in the immediate area closely monitored.

    Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported light rain and drizzle in Delhi and NCR, including Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida, and parts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. While the rainfall slightly reduced the temperatures, it slowed traffic on already busy roads.

    Commuters struggled to navigate the city as traffic remained heavy across central and adjoining areas. With many roads closed or under strict regulation, travel times had increased significantly, and alternative routes were also congested. Frustrated by the delays, people took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their experiences and express their concerns about the ongoing traffic situation.

    One shared photos and videos of streets, writing, “Massive Traffic jam in Delhi due to AI Summit and Rain”

    Another wrote,“The AI summit has caused huge traffic jams in Delhi, and there seems to be no clear solution yet.”

    A user shared a screenshot of a navigation map showing heavy traffic, saying, “Picture caption: Delhi traffic situation this week!”

    One person wrote, “Don’t even think about driving around in Central Delhi today. Absolute traffic carnage.”

    Another tweeted a video of cars and autorickshaws stuck, stating, “What are we showcasing to the International Audience who are visiting this AI Summit ? Central Govt needs some basic Intelligence to manage traffic near AI summit. Basic Intelligence is more important than Artificial Intelligence Delhi Traffic police directly comes under Central Govt.”

    Some users highlighted the impact on students, “Delhi’s terrible traffic now set to get even worse!! I’m very concerned about the school children facing board exams. Imagine having this added tension! Poor kids! #AISummit #Delhi”

    Others shared personal experiences, “India is definitely a chaos with all big talks ....today a 3+ hrs to drive from Gurgaon to Delhi.....attending Ai summit only to release that we have missed all meeting due to traffic jam !!”

    One noted, “AI this, AI that…..maybe at the next AI Summit, world leaders & policy experts can also brainstorm how AI could reduce traffic congestion in #Delhi, esp when such summits are taking place in the city. Why must roads be shut at the expense of ordinary citizens?”

    Many social media users pointed out the irony of hosting a summit on intelligent systems while the city struggled with basic traffic management. A netizen wrote, “The grand AI Summit at Pragati Maidan promised a future of seamless automation and smart mobility. Ironically, outside its gates, Delhi stood frozen in traffic. Delegates discussed intelligent systems while cars idled in endless queues, engines humming louder than keynote speeches. Roads were diverted, commuters stranded, and navigation apps recalculating endlessly. Inside, Artificial Intelligence spoke of efficiency; outside, human intelligence struggled to find a U turn. The summit showcased tomorrow’s smart cities, yet today’s city could barely move. In Delhi, progress was on display under bright expo lights, while the streets outside remained gridlocked in real time.”

    Air travellers were also affected, as key roads leading to the airport experienced severe congestion due to summit-related restrictions and unexpected rainfall. Commuters reported delays of over an hour on normally busy routes, adding stress for those trying to catch flights. One wrote, “Delhi traffic at its worst! Left Noida at 2 PM for Airport Terminal 1. Traffic has been stopped near AIIMS for the past 30 minutes due to VIP movement. It’s still showing another one hour to reach the airport. Definitely going to miss my 5 pm @IndiGo6E flight 6E 864. Whether it’s the French President @EmmanuelMacron or anyone else, Why does the common citizen have to suffer like this @DelhiPolice @dtptraffic ??”

    Another commuter wrote, “We were booked in Air India 4.00 pm Delhi Pune Flight on February 18. Because of crazy traffic in Delhi, we somehow managed to reach the airport, but unfortunately were late and missed the Flight. Traffic in Delhi is horrible due to #AISummit.”

    Teesha Shirodkar
    first published: Feb 18, 2026 05:47 pm

    Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!

    Subscribe to Tech Newsletters

    • On Saturdays

      Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.

    • Daily-Weekdays

      Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.

    Advisory Alert: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are representing themselves as affiliates of Moneycontrol and soliciting funds on the false promise of assured returns on their investments. We wish to reiterate that Moneycontrol does not solicit funds from investors and neither does it promise any assured returns. In case you are approached by anyone making such claims, please write to us at grievanceofficer@nw18.com or call on 02268882347