The upcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi is set to be a significant event, and the city is making preparations to ensure the success and the safety of its attendees. Scheduled for Saturday, September 9, 2023, and Sunday, September 10, 2023, the Delhi G20 Summit is expected to bring together leaders from around the world to discuss pressing global issues.
As part of the preparations, the government of Delhi has announced public holidays in the national capital from September 8 to 10, 2023. The aim of these holidays is to facilitate the smooth functioning of the summit and to minimize disruptions for the general public.
Closure of Offices and Schools
- To manage the expected increase in traffic and to ensure the safety of residents and summit attendees, the Delhi government has announced the closure of government and private offices, as well as educational institutions like schools and colleges from September 8 to 10, 2023.
- Schools have been advised to conduct online classes to minimize the impact on students’ education, and offices are encouraged to implement work-from-home arrangements for their employees.
Temporary Closure of Commercial and Business Establishments
- According to the notification of the General Administration Department (GAD) of the Delhi government, all commercial and business establishments within the jurisdiction of New Delhi Police District will also be closed during this period.
Public Holidays for Commercial Banks and Financial Institutions
- The Delhi government’s notification specifies that commercial banks and financial institutions within the New Delhi Police District, falling under the purview of Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881, will observe public holidays from September 8 to 10, 2023. This move aims to streamline banking services and reduce the inconvenience to the public.
Delhi Metro Service During the Summit
- While most 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 some metro stations, such as Supreme Court, Khan Market, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat, are likely to remain closed for the duration of the summit due to security considerations.
Delhi G20 Summit Date & Venue
- Leading up to the main summit, around 200 meetings are scheduled from December 2022 to August 2023. The Delhi G20 summit itself is slated for September 9 to September 10, 2023, with participation from member countries and guest nations.
- The primary summit venue will be the new convention center at Pragati Maidan. Additionally, several other venues, including Rajghat, IARI Pusa, and NGMA (Jaipur House), will host visits from foreign dignitaries.
G20 Summit Delhi Guidelines
To ensure the smooth flow of traffic and safety during the G20 Summit, the Delhi Traffic Police have issued specific guidelines and restrictions under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. These measures include:
- No entry on Mathura Road beyond Ashram Chowk, Bhairon Marg, and Purana Qila Road during the summit.
- General traffic, excluding goods vehicles and buses, will be permitted to enter Delhi from the Rajokri border.
- Passengers can use their private vehicles, auto-rickshaws, and taxis to travel to New Delhi Railway Station and Old Delhi Railway Station.
- The use of private vehicles, auto-rickshaws, and taxis for travel to the airport will also be permitted as specified.
- City bus services will not be significantly affected in most areas, although diversions on certain road stretches in the New Delhi district may occur based on real-time traffic conditions, as stated in the advisory.
These measures are put in place to ensure the safety and security of all attendees and residents during the G20 Summit, as well as to minimize disruptions to daily life as much as possible. The Delhi government, along with various authorities, is committed to hosting a successful and peaceful summit that addresses critical global issues.