The Delhi government has ordered a focused inspection of the principal route between Bharat Mandapam and Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport ahead of the upcoming BRICS Summit, officials said on Saturday. The review, to be chaired by the Delhi chief secretary, will examine roads, footpaths, drainage, waterlogging risks, cleanliness and BRICS branding along the stretch.
Multi-agency exercise to cover civic and traffic preparedness
Officials said the exercise will involve a range of agencies including the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Public Works Department (PWD), Delhi Police, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The inspection will focus on the civic appearance of the route and items that could affect movement and visitor impressions during the summit.
The additional chief secretary (Irrigation & Flood Control) has been tasked specifically with reviewing drainage arrangements, identifying waterlogging-prone locations and planning emergency dewatering measures along the corridor, according to officials. The NDMC chairperson will inspect areas within the council’s jurisdiction, with particular attention to locations where visiting dignitaries will be accommodated and to event venues.
The MCD commissioner has been asked to review cleanliness, encroachment removal, beautification and management of stray animals on stretches under the corporation’s control. The PWD will examine the condition of roads, potholes, signage, illumination and waterlogging on its sections and take corrective measures where needed.
Roles and responsibilities
| Agency | Primary focus for inspection |
|---|---|
| Delhi Chief Secretary | Overall chair of the inspection |
| Additional Chief Secretary (I&FC) | Drainage and waterlogging, emergency dewatering |
| NDMC | Areas under NDMC, accommodation and venue environs |
| MCD | Cleanliness, encroachments, beautification, stray animal management |
| PWD | Roads, potholes, signage, illumination, waterlogging |
| Delhi Traffic Police | Traffic management arrangements |
| DIAL, NHAI | Preparedness around airport and highway stretches |
Delhi Traffic Police have been asked to assess traffic management arrangements along the route to ensure smooth movement of delegations and to minimise disruption to commuters. DIAL and NHAI officials will review preparedness for the airport precinct and stretches under the highway authority, the officials added.
What agencies will inspect
- Road surface condition and pothole repairs on PWD and NHAI stretches.
- Footpath repairs and signage under municipal jurisdictions.
- Drainage, waterlogging-prone points and emergency dewatering plans.
- Cleanliness, garbage removal and stray-animal control on MCD/NDMC stretches.
- BRICS branding and visual presentation along the corridor.
Officials said the inspection will also review BRICS branding and the overall visual appearance of the route where delegations and visitors are likely to travel. Authorities have been directed to take corrective action following the review.
The review comes as preparatory activities for the BRICS Summit intensify. Security rehearsals and logistical runs have been visible in some parts of the national capital in recent days, including motorcade rehearsals at Bharat Mandapam, according to reports.
For commuters and residents, the inspection and follow-up works could mean short-term interventions such as temporary lane restrictions for road repairs, placement of dewatering pumps at identified low-lying points and intensified municipal cleaning operations. The Delhi Traffic Police typically issues advisories ahead of major works and events; residents are advised to heed official traffic advisories and plan travel accordingly.
Officials said the multi-agency approach aims to ensure the route is free of avoidable civic hazards and presents an orderly appearance during the summit. Specific timelines for remedial work were not disclosed in the notification issued to participating agencies.
“The inspection will cover roads, potholes, footpaths, drainage and waterlogging, cleanliness, BRICS branding and the overall civic appearance of the route,” the official communication said.
The inspection will be one element of broader city-level coordination for the international event; other exercises include security planning, traffic diversions, and coordination with central agencies. The Delhi government and civic bodies will continue to coordinate with airport and national highway authorities to align operational plans in the run-up to the summit.
