New Delhi | September 11, 2026
Central Delhi is undergoing a coordinated lighting, landscaping and signage makeover ahead of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, which India will host on September 12 and 13 at Bharat Mandapam. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has installed decorative lights, floral displays and BRICS-themed signages along key routes connecting the airport, designated hotels and the summit venue.
Officials said illuminated installations have been placed at Patel Chowk, Windsor Place, Mandi House, Teen Murti, Lok Kalyan Metro Station and the Prime Minister’s Office roundabout. Seventeen major roundabouts, at least 12 hotel premises and 10 prominent NDMC buildings are also being illuminated as part of the preparations. Trees, shrubs and landscaped areas near important hotels and along major roads have received additional lighting.
The civic body has installed LED signages carrying the BRICS Summit logo and placed summit-themed posters on street-light poles along important routes. Around 350 electrical panel boxes located along roads have also been refurbished with BRICS-themed branding. NDMC officials said streetlights on all summit-related routes were verified, with faulty units identified during the exercise replaced.
The lighting work is being carried out alongside an expanded horticultural programme. More than 15,000 potted ornamental plants are being placed at prominent locations across New Delhi. Floral boards are being installed at 15 locations and floral fountains at nine others, while landscaping, plantation, pruning and hedge-trimming work has been intensified along major avenues and designated routes.
Work has also been stepped up at the BRICS Friendship Rose Garden in Chanakyapuri. Established in 2016 when India previously hosted the summit, the garden has 107 varieties of roses. Landscaping, pruning, grass cutting and decorative floral arrangements are being undertaken at the garden and along surrounding roads in the diplomatic enclave.
The preparations extend beyond the NDMC area. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Public Works Department have carried out joint inspections of Bharat Mandapam, Sarai Kale Khan, Lodhi Road, Nizamuddin, Saket and Sheikh Sarai, according to officials. Authorities have directed teams to intensify sanitation and cleaning operations and ensure adequate deployment of workers and machinery along identified routes and other important locations.
The summit will bring together leaders of BRICS member and partner countries, along with outreach invitees, for discussions on cooperation and global and regional issues. India assumed its fourth BRICS chairship on January 1, with its 2026 presidency guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Civic agencies are continuing the lighting, horticultural, sanitation and route-readiness work ahead of the September 12 opening.
