Delhiites get an extended weekend
Delhiites will have an extended weekend from September 11, thanks to the BRICS summit, with the Union and the State Government offices and establishments closed on Friday.
World leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, will start arriving that day for the two-day conclave starting September 12. Given the elaborate security umbrella for the important event, the decision to close offices was taken to ensure smooth traffic and logistical arrangements. The closure is also aimed at reducing inconvenience for the general public during the event.
“The undersigned is directed to say that the BRICS Business Forum and 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit are scheduled to be held from 11-13 September, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Summit will be attended by leaders from about thirty BRICS members and partner countries, Heads of International Organisations and business representatives from BRICS nations including India. Recognising the magnitude of this event, the substantial logistical arrangements involved and to minimise inconvenience to the general public, it has been decided to keep the central Government offices in Delhi/New Delhi closed on Friday, the 11th of September 2026 (12th and 13th of September being Saturday and Sunday respectively,” an official memorandum issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions said.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor has declared holiday for all Government offices, autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings under the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. “The Lieutenant General of the NCT of Delhi is pleased to declare September 11 (Friday) to be a holiday in all Government offices, autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings under the Delhi Government in view of the BRICS Summit and management connected therewith”, according to an order issued by Delhi Government’s General Administration Department (GAD).
Meanwhile, Delhi Police held an interstate meeting with senior police officers from neighbouring states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh to strengthen security coordination and ensure an incident-free BRICS Summit in the national capital. The meeting, chaired by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, was attended by senior officers from Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chandigarh.
According to a Delhi Police officer, traffic police have planned elaborate arrangements involving restrictions and diversions to ensure smooth movement of VVIP motorcades. The movement is likely to affect vehicular traffic on at least 22 key corridors in central, south and southwest Delhi.
