The G20, also known as the Group of Twenty, is an intergovernmental forum comprising of 19 nations plus the European Union (EU). The annual G20 Summit, which is held annually, under the leadership of a rotating Presidency is of international importance as it represents the world’s greatest economies, both industrialized and developing; it represents around 80 percent of Gross World Product (GWP), 75 percent of international commerce, two-thirds of the global population, and 60 percent of the world’s surface area.

This year, India holds the G20 Presidency which may prompt authorities to undertake additional security measures and contingency actions including enhanced security measures, traffic restrictions / diversions, elaborate checks at the airports, etc., thus, affecting employee commute.

Points to Note

• Presidency Tenure: 01 December 2022 to 30 November 2023.
• 8th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit: Saturday (09 September) and Sunday (10 September)
• Venue: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

Upcoming Events:

The Indian Government has provided a dynamic event calendar which is being updated by the authorities on a regular basis. For further details, refer to – https://www.g20.org/en/g20-india-2023/calendar/.

Host Cities

Risk

• Special traffic arrangements leading to diversions, congestion, and travel delays in host cities.
• Long waiting lines and service delays at the concerned airports.
• Possibility of demonstrations or protests near event venues, over pending grievances of national/international importance to garner global attention and political traction.
• Cost hikes for hotels, flights, taxi services and other forms of intercity travel and stay.

Recommendations

As witnessed earlier during the G20 conference in Mumbai; strict traffic diversions, similar traffic restrictions and road closures are likely to be imposed in the host cities to comply with the highest security procedures and facilitate smooth passage for delegates.

MitKat advises keeping awareness for local traffic updates, as authorities may implement or modify further limitations depending on the situation. For regular traffic updates, follow the respective Twitter handles of the concerned city police –

1. Mumbai: @MumbaiPolice, @MumbaiTrafficPolice
2. Delhi: @DelhiPolice, @dtptraffic
3. Chandigarh: @trafficchd
4. Bengaluru: @BengaluruPolice, @BengaluruTrafficPolice
5. Gurugram: @GurugramPolice, @TrafficGGM
6. Pune: @PuneCityTrafficPolice, @PunePolice
7. Kolkata: @KolkataPolice, @KolkataTrafficPolice
8. Chennai: @GreaterChennaiPolice, @GreaterChennaiTrafficPolice
9. Punjab: @PunjabPoliceIndia
10. Guwahati: @GuwahatiPolice, @GhtyTrafficPol
11. Madhya Pradesh: @MadhyaPradeshPolice, @IndoreTrafficPolice
12. Rajasthan: @RajasthanPolice, @JaipurTrafficPolice, @UdaipurPolice, @JodhpurTrafficPolice
13. Lucknow: @LucknowPolice, @lucknowtraffic
14. . Kerala: @TheKeralaPolice
15. Gujarat: @AhmedabadTrafficPolice, @GandhinagarPolice

• Considering increased vigilance on roadways and at tolls, commuters are advised to carry necessary documents (driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of identity).
• It is recommended that offices and working places adhere by government directives and allow room for flexible working arrangements including hybrid or online mode of operations.
• Given that the host city airports are likely to hold elaborate welcome program, travelers are advised to reach airports well in advance (three hours in prior for inbound travel and four hours for international travel).
• Organisations operating in areas close to the concerned airports are advised to remain extra cautious of any security breach or local disruptions and prepare for contingency actions.