New Delhi: As Delhi prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13, the Delhi Police has put in place a multi-layered security and traffic plan aimed at protecting visiting heads of state and government while keeping disruption to the city to a minimum.
Around 15,000 Delhi Police personnel and 200 companies of paramilitary forces are being deployed across key locations, including Bharat Mandapam, airports, hotels and routes that will be used by visiting dignitaries. The arrangements also cover locations that may be added to the itinerary at short notice, making flexibility a key part of the security plan.
At a high-level briefing at Delhi Police Headquarters on September 10, Commissioner of Police Anurag Kumar directed officers and personnel to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, politeness and courtesy throughout the summit. He stressed that the conduct of the force would be closely watched internationally and asked every officer to take complete ownership of their responsibilities, leaving no scope for lapses.
Special Commissioner of Police (Security) Manish Kumar Agrawal said detailed surveys of all identified routes had been conducted and that the force was coordinating with multiple agencies for the movement and security of the dignitaries. Separate arrangements are being made for law and order, protective security and traffic management, with coordination also being maintained with neighbouring states.
The scale of surveillance has also been expanded. A dedicated CCTV control room has been set up at Tughlak Road Police Station, with access to around 500 cameras installed along routes expected to be used by VIPs. Personnel monitoring the system can alert the control room or field teams immediately if any suspicious movement or activity is detected.
The police have also strengthened preparedness for aerial threats. Delhi Police has imposed a temporary ban on drones and other small aerial platforms from September 10 to 14 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Neighbouring states have also been asked to intensify border checks and maintain surveillance of drones and other flying objects.
Traffic management forms another major part of the preparations. Police have identified 22 diversion points for motorcade rehearsals and VIP movements, while several major roads across central, south and west Delhi are expected to see restrictions at different times. Commuters travelling towards Pragati Maidan, the airport and other key areas have been advised to plan for additional travel time, with the Metro recommended wherever possible.
The police have also coordinated with cab aggregators to ensure that pick-up and drop-off points do not obstruct controlled routes during VIP movements. At the same time, arrangements are being made to manage the movement of foreign delegations between their hotels and summit-related locations.
For the Delhi Police, the BRICS Summit is therefore not only a high-security event but also a test of coordination, response and public-facing policing. With several foreign leaders and delegations arriving in the capital, the force is working to ensure that security remains tight without bringing the city's everyday movement to a standstill.
BI Bureau
