New Delhi has transitioned into a high-security zone today, February 16, 2026, as the city manages the simultaneous start of the five-day India AI Impact Summit and the commencement of the CBSE Class 10 and 12 board examinations. To ensure the safety of over 100 international delegations and heads of state arriving at Bharat Mandapam, the Delhi Police have deployed a massive force of 10,000 personnel, including 5,000 traffic officers dedicated to managing VVIP movement. While the summit’s opening ceremony drew global attention, the local focus has shifted to the logistics of ensuring that nearly 46 lakh students can reach their examination centers without disruption. In a coordinated effort with the Education Department, the police have designated 10 schools located directly along high-security VVIP routes as “priority zones,” where students carrying valid admit cards are being given assisted passage through regulated stretches.
The traffic advisory for the week is extensive, with “controlled” and “restricted” zones centered around the New Delhi district. Major arteries such as Mathura Road, Sardar Patel Marg, Janpath, and Akbar Road are experiencing intermittent halts of up to 30 minutes to accommodate dignitary convoys. Commuters and parents have been urged to avoid the Bhairon Marg and Mathura Road T-points, which are strictly regulated, and instead utilize the “North-South Corridor” via Ring Road, which remains restriction-free. For those heading to the Indira Gandhi International Airport or major railway stations, the administration has strongly recommended using the Delhi Metro to bypass surface congestion. With the CBSE exams starting tomorrow, February 17, at 10:30 am, authorities are advising students to leave their homes at least 60 minutes earlier than usual to account for sudden diversions and the heightened security presence across the capital.
