G20 Summit In Delhi: Public Holiday Declared From September 8-10; Other Restrictions On Cards?

There may be traffic restrictions for the general public in Lutyens' Delhi for the two days of the G20 Summit as well as the day before as high-profile dignitaries visit the national capital.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 22 August 2023 3:32 pm

G20 summit preparation in Delhi

Areas under the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) are expected to be out of bounds for the public on September 8, 9 and 10 in view of the much-awaited G-20 Summit. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday approved a proposal to declare a public holiday on September 8-10 in view of the G20 Summit.

Further, traffic restrictions are expected to be put in place from September 8 to September 10.

"The file on the police proposal was forwarded by Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to the Delhi chief minister for his approval. After the chief minister's approval, it would be sent for the LG's nod," an official told PTI.

Here’s what is expected to be allowed and what will be closed for G20 Summit:

All schools in the city, as well as offices of the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), will now remain closed during the three days. All commercial establishments in New Delhi police district will also remain closed from September 8 to 10 in view of G20 Summit, officials said.

According to a Times of India report, entry of heavy vehicles, except for those carrying essential goods, will be restricted while the summit is in progress. There will be traffic restrictions for the general public in the NDMC area for the two days of the G20 Summit as well as the day before as the places would be visited by dignitaries from around the world.

The Indian Express reported that high-profile dignitaries like US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and others will be staying in Lutyens’ Delhi during the two-day summit and international standards need to be maintained. As a result, general public except for those residing in the area will likely be restricted from entering the zone.

The report also stated that the government could declare a public holiday to reduce traffic congestion in the otherwise busy area. Traders could be handed special passes and markets in the Lutyens’ area like Khan Market and Connaught Place, which are getting an updo, may be operational but restricted.

Delhi traffic police have not issued any official advisory yet.