If you have a train booked to or from Delhi this week, your plans may already be disrupted. Multiple trains have been cancelled or diverted on September 11, 12 and 13 as the national capital hosts the BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam. For thousands of passengers — students, workers, families — this is not a minor schedule tweak. It is a travel plan that needs checking right now.
Why Delhi's Rail Network Is Being Rerouted This Week
The BRICS Summit brings heads of state, delegations, and heavy security arrangements to the capital. Bharat Mandapam, the summit venue, sits in the heart of the city's administrative zone. To manage movement and security, railway authorities have curtailed services on routes passing through or terminating in Delhi.
The result: a three-day window where your usual train may simply not run.
Who Is Affected — And How Badly
Anyone travelling to Delhi, from Delhi, or through Delhi on these three dates should assume their train could be affected. That includes daily commuters on certain routes, long-distance passengers with confirmed tickets, and those with connecting journeys.
Diverted trains will take longer routes, meaning longer travel times. Cancelled trains mean rebooking, refunds, or finding alternative transport at short notice.
What Passengers Should Do Before Leaving Home
Do not assume your train is running because your ticket is confirmed. Check the official running status through Indian Railways' official enquiry channels — the NTES app, the IRCTC website, or the National Rail Madad helpline (139).
If your train is cancelled, refunds are typically processed automatically for e-tickets. For counter tickets, you may need to visit the station. If your train is diverted, expect a longer journey and plan accordingly.
Confirmed Facts vs What Remains Unclear
Confirmed: Trains have been cancelled and diverted on September 11, 12 and 13. The BRICS Summit is being held at Bharat Mandapam. The disruption is directly linked to the summit.
Unclear: The full list of affected trains, the exact number of cancellations, and whether the disruption could extend beyond September 13. Passengers should rely only on official railway notifications, not forwarded messages or social media lists.
The Bigger Pattern: Summit Season and Public Transport
This is not the first time a major international event has reshaped Delhi's transport schedule. During past G20 and diplomatic summits, similar short-term cancellations and diversions were enforced. The pattern is consistent: security first, schedule adjustments second, and passengers left to adapt.
For a city that runs on its rail network, even three days of disruption ripples outward — affecting not just Delhi but passengers across multiple states whose routes pass through the capital.
Practical Guidance for Travellers This Week
Check your train status at least 24 hours before departure and again on the morning of travel. Keep buffer time for diverted routes. If your journey is non-urgent, consider postponing to after September 13. If it is urgent, book alternative transport early — buses and flights will see higher demand during this window.
What Happens After September 13
Services are expected to normalise once the summit concludes. However, authorities have not ruled out last-minute changes. Passengers with travel plans immediately after the summit should continue monitoring official updates until their train is confirmed running.
Our Take
Summit disruptions are unavoidable — security for an event of this scale demands it. What matters is how clearly the information reaches passengers. A confirmed ticket is not a guarantee this week. The single most useful thing any traveller can do is verify, re-verify, and stay flexible. Three days of inconvenience is manageable; a missed train because you didn't check is not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dates are affected by train cancellations in Delhi?
September 11, 12 and 13, 2025, coinciding with the BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam.
How do I check if my train is cancelled or diverted?
Use the NTES app, the IRCTC website, or call the Rail Madad helpline at 139. Avoid relying on social media lists.
Will I get a refund if my train is cancelled?
Yes. E-tickets are typically refunded automatically. Counter tickets may require a station visit.
Are trains running normally after September 13?
Services are expected to normalise after the summit, but passengers should confirm their specific train's status before travelling.
