AI summit: Curbs hit peak-hour traffic flow

New Delhi: A day after Delhi was hit hard by traffic snarls, situation was better on Thursday with the congestion remaining limited to morning and evening peak hours.On Wednesday, nearly 40 high-level movements had taken place by 4 pm, and traffic never eased. However, on Thursday afternoon, roads were visibly clearer. Around 4 pm, traffic began building up near Akshardham. Restrictions between 5 pm and 9 pm for the AI Impact Summit–2026 slowed vehicles across central Delhi.A traffic advisory urged commuters to plan ahead and avoid affected stretches. The restricted roads included Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Akbar Road, Janpath, Windsor Place, Tees January Marg, Prithviraj Road, Rajesh Pilot Marg, Subramaniam Bharti Marg, Mathura Road (between Lodhi Flyover and Dr Dinesh Chandra Dalmia Chowk), Bhairon Marg, Shanti Path, Africa Avenue, Satya Marg, Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg, Gurgaon Road and Parade Road.The traffic police also directed Google Maps to display only alternative routes during restrictions, leading to heavier flow on the Ring Road stretch parallel to Mathura Road.Frustrated commuters posted online about long jams near Mother Teresa Road, Dhaula Kuan and the Indraprastha Park flyover. People even reported standing for one hour at some spots. Sources said seven dignitaries are scheduled to depart later tonight — a move expected to ease traffic pressure from Friday onward.