The impending G20 Summit in New Delhi, slated for September 9th and 10th, 2023, is poised to be a pivotal global event. As the city readies itself to welcome leaders from across the world, meticulous preparations are underway to guarantee the summit’s triumph and the well-being of all attendees. From instituting public holidays to orchestrating traffic control strategies, Delhi is dedicated to balancing the imperative of hosting a productive summit with the need to minimize disturbances for its residents.
In a move to ensure the smooth execution of the summit and to reduce any inconvenience to the public, the Delhi government has announced public holidays from September 8th to 10th, 2023, in the national capital. This strategic decision aims to facilitate the seamless functioning of the summit while mitigating disruptions for the general populace.
In anticipation of heightened traffic and to safeguard the safety of both residents and summit participants, the Delhi government has declared the closure of government and private offices, as well as educational institutions including schools and colleges, during the period from September 8th to 10th, 2023. To minimize the impact on students’ education, schools have been encouraged to conduct online classes, and offices are advised to implement work-from-home arrangements for their employees.
As per the notification issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) of the Delhi government, all commercial and business establishments within the jurisdiction of the New Delhi Police District will also remain closed during this period. Additionally, commercial banks and financial institutions within this area, falling under the purview of Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881, will observe public holidays from September 8th to 10th, 2023, in an effort to streamline banking services and alleviate public inconvenience.
While the majority of public services and institutions will be affected by the G20 Summit holidays, the Delhi Metro service will continue to operate. However, commuters should be aware that certain metro stations, including Supreme Court, Khan Market, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat, are likely to remain closed for the duration of the summit due to security considerations.
In preparation for the main summit, around 200 meetings have been scheduled from December 2022 to August 2023. The primary summit venue will be the new convention center at Pragati Maidan, with several other locations, including Rajghat, IARI Pusa, and NGMA (Jaipur House), hosting visits from foreign dignitaries.
To ensure the seamless flow of traffic and to uphold safety during the G20 Summit, the Delhi Traffic Police have issued specific guidelines and restrictions in accordance with Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. These measures encompass restricted access to certain roads, allowing entry from specified borders, and facilitating passenger travel to key railway stations and the airport through private vehicles, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. City bus services are expected to operate with minimal disruption in most areas, although some diversions in the New Delhi district may be enacted based on real-time traffic conditions, as outlined in the advisory.
These multifaceted measures are put in place to ensure the safety and security of all summit attendees and residents, while simultaneously striving to minimize disruptions to daily life. The Delhi government, in collaboration with various authorities, is resolutely committed to hosting a successful and peaceful summit, addressing vital global issues on this prestigious platform.