New Delhi, Sept. 11 -- As traffic restrictions for the BRICS Summit came into effect in parts of Delhi, commuters on Friday reported contrasting experiences, with some complaining of being forced to walk and others experiencing holiday-like atmosphere that made their journeys smooth.

"BRICS restricted traffic in Lutyens' Delhi, Zomato gave up, and I had to walk to get lunch today. Working in trade policy is all fun and games until you personally become the supply chain," a user posted on X.

Social media was flooded with such reactions to the traffic arrangements to facilitate the movement of foreign dignitaries and their convoys during the summit, reflecting the mixed impact of the restrictions across different parts of the city.

Another commuter reported being stuck for more than 40 minutes near Max Hospital in Saket, saying, "Traffic not moved over 40 mins. Outside Max hospital Saket. Entire Press Enclave road halted."

However, not all commuters experienced disruption.

Some users said the restrictions, coupled with fewer people travelling because of office holidays and work-from-home arrangements, had actually resulted in significantly faster journeys.

"On a normal day, my home-to-Delhi Airport journey takes a comfortable 45 minutes. Today, with the BRICS Summit, traffic restrictions and a holiday for most offices, it took just 14 minutes," one user posted, joking that Delhi had "finally solved its traffic problem".

Another user, who attended a business breakfast at The Imperial in central Delhi, said they had approached the journey with "so much trepidation" but found the roads largely free-flowing.

"Once-a-week-stay-home-for-brics should be institutionalised!!" the user posted. While roads forming part of VVIP movement corridors have witnessed stoppages and diversions, reduced traffic

volumes on other stretches appear to have offset some of the disruption for commuters.

The Delhi Traffic Police had earlier clarified that the city would not be shut down during the summit and that normal traffic would continue wherever security arrangements permitted.

On September 12, traffic restrictions will also be in force from 8.15 pm to 11 pm, during which traffic movement will be regulated along important stretches in and around central Delhi.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.