Central Delhi is undergoing an extensive civic makeover ahead of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, with the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) installing decorative lighting, floral displays and summit-themed signages along key routes linking the airport, designated hotels and Bharat Mandapam, the venue for the September 12-13 meeting.
Officials said decorative lighting has been installed 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 being illuminated as part of the preparations.
The civic body has also installed LED signages carrying the BRICS Summit logo and placed themed posters on street-light poles along important routes. Around 350 electrical panel boxes on roads have been given a facelift with BRICS-related branding, while streetlights along all summit routes have been checked and faulty units replaced, officials said.
The preparations include a major horticultural drive across the NDMC area. More than 15,000 potted ornamental plants are being placed at prominent locations. Floral boards are being installed at 15 sites and floral fountains at nine others. Landscaping, plantation, pruning and hedge-trimming work have also been intensified along major avenues and routes designated for visiting delegates.
Work has been stepped up at the BRICS Friendship Rose Garden in Chanakyapuri, which was established in 2016 when India last hosted the summit. The garden has 107 varieties of roses, and current preparations include pruning, grass cutting, landscaping and decorative floral arrangements in and around the diplomatic enclave.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Public Works Department have conducted joint inspections of key locations, including Bharat Mandapam, Sarai Kale Khan, Lodhi Road, Nizamuddin, Saket and Sheikh Sarai. Officials have directed agencies to intensify sanitation and cleaning operations and ensure adequate deployment of workers and machinery along identified routes and other important locations.
India assumed the BRICS chairship on January 1 for the fourth time. The 2026 presidency is being conducted under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. Leaders of BRICS member and partner countries, along with outreach invitees, are expected to attend discussions on global and regional issues during the summit. Civic preparations are scheduled to continue as Delhi authorities complete arrangements for the September 12-13 meeting.
