G20 Summit: Delhi govt declares public holiday from Sep 8-10

Private and government offices in Delhi will remain closed between September 8 to 10, while banks, markets, and commercial establishments within the New Delhi district will also remain shut during this three-day period. This was first proposed by the Delhi Police and was approved by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal due to the upcoming G20 Summit scheduled to take place in the capital city.

The proposal has been sent to Lt Governor VK Saxena for final approval, after which a public notification will be issued by the Delhi government, according to a high-ranking city official.

As per the approved proposal, schools, and colleges will also remain closed during these days.

All business enterprises, including banks and financial institutions operating within the jurisdiction of the New Delhi police district, will be closed from September 8 to 10. This action follows a recommendation by Special Police Commissioner Madhup Tiwari, who communicated his suggestion to declare public holidays during this period and urged for the closure of commercial establishments, particularly in the New Delhi area, in light of the summit.

For security reasons, the temporary closure of specific metro stations, such as the Supreme Court and the Central Secretariat, is being considered. Police sources have also indicated that non-essential heavy vehicles might be restricted from entering the city between September 8 and 10.

India is hosting the G20 Summit, with the main event set to occur in New Delhi on September 9-10. The summit is expected to see participation from 29 heads of state, along with high-ranking officials from the European Union, invited guest countries, and 14 international organizations.

Tiwari, in his communication, highlighted that apart from the primary summit venue at Pragati Maidan’s new convention center, other locations like Rajghat, IARI Pusa, and NGMA (Jaipur House) will receive visits from foreign dignitaries. Multiple hotels in Delhi-NCR have been designated for heads of state, government delegates, and international organization representatives.

Given that most arrivals are anticipated on September 8 (a Friday), and departures are scheduled for September 10-11, significant traffic movement is expected. To ensure smooth transportation for these dignitaries, Tiwari recommended declaring a public holiday during the G20 Summit. This move aims to reduce potential traffic congestion, minimize inconvenience to residents, and offer them the chance to witness this global event.

Tiwari emphasized the need for issuing directives to close commercial establishments, including markets, within the “controlled zone,” mainly in the New Delhi district, during this period. He assured that the Delhi Police would provide traffic advisories for the summit.

In coordination with the transport department and the Delhi Metro, Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) SS Yadav confirmed that plans were underway to decide on routes where Delhi Transport Corporation buses would not operate during the summit. Additionally, some metro stations might be temporarily closed.

As preparations continue, Lieutenant Governor Saxena has been personally inspecting G20-related projects. Monitoring efforts include overseeing 61 important roads and 23 hotels associated with the Summit. To address any preparation gaps, over a dozen newly-assigned civil servants have been deployed for continuous patrols in Delhi.

(With PTI inputs)