Delhi AI summit descends into transport chaos as guests trek kilometres after roads are sealed and cabs barred for VIP movement
New Delhi: Attendees at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi reported transport disruption on the third day of the event, with roads blocked, cabs barred and the nearby Metro station closed due to VIP movement.
On the third day of the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi, several attendees said they were forced to walk for kilometres after exiting the venue at Bharat Mandapam as vehicles were not allowed on surrounding roads due to VIP movement.
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Multiple participants took to social media to describe difficulties in booking cabs and accessing public transport. Some claimed they walked between 5 and 6 kilometres before finding available transport.
Roads blocked, cabs restricted
Bharat Mandapam, located in central Delhi, hosted the high-profile summit. According to attendees, entry of vehicles on roads outside the venue was restricted for VIP movement.
Caleb Friesen, a Canadian national living in India, posted that after leaving the venue around 7:40pm, he found no cabs or pre-arranged shuttle services available. He wrote that he was told the road was closed and had to walk to find transport. He also raised concerns about the inconvenience caused to international guests and differently-abled attendees.
Activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj said her cousin from the United States was unable to book a cab after 8pm, alleging that roads were blocked and police were not allowing taxis. She also claimed that the nearby Metro station was closed.
Attendees walk kilometres
Sahil Rajput said he walked nearly 5 kilometres before being able to book a cab, alleging that multiple gates and roads had been blocked. Another attendee, Piyush, said he walked around 6 kilometres and witnessed people crossing road dividers to escape traffic congestion.
Videos circulating online showed motorcyclists crossing a cement divider amid traffic jams outside the venue.
The official page of the India AI Impact Summit had earlier advised guests to use cabs due to limited parking at the venue. However, it remains unclear for how long vehicles were restricted near Bharat Mandapam.
Authorities have not issued an official statement detailing the duration of the restrictions. Further updates are awaited.
Published: 19 Feb 2026, 09:58 am IST
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