The India AI Impact Summit 2026 has been extended by a day until Saturday, 21 February 2026, due to “overwhelming response”, IT Secretary S. Krishnan said on Wednesday.
The India AI Summit is taking place at Bharat Mandapam, spanning 10 arenas over 70,000 square metres, and hosting delegates from numerous countries alongside the leading figures in the global AI community.
“Expo will not be open to the public on 19 February 2026 due to VIP movement,” Krishna said during a press conference on Wednesday.
As per reports, the decision was made to accommodate the large crowds and ensure a smoother, more comfortable experience for visitors.
To manage the turnout, visiting hours have been extended until 8:00 PM, reflecting the high level of enthusiasm among both delegates and the general public at Bharat Mandapam.
However, public access to the expo will be suspended on Thursday, February 19, due to high-level security protocols and restricted-entry events.
Delegates will also experience limited access on Wednesday and Thursday. Additionally, all participants must leave the convention area by 4:30 PM on Wednesday to facilitate a private dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for international guests and corporate leaders.
Guinness World Record Achievement
The event also celebrated a historic milestone as the India AI Impact Summit 2026 entered the Guinness World Records. Adjudicator Pravin Patel confirmed that 2,50,946 students pledged to use AI responsibly within a 24-hour window, surpassing the initial goal of 5,000.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the main summit on February 19, with restricted entry expected during the morning session. Officials said the Expo area would open for all delegates from 11:00 AM that day, including access to the media centre in Hall 1.
High Praise for the Summit
MeitY Secretary S Krishnan said that visitors and participants, including global tech leaders, are “extremely impressed” by India’s AI roadmap.
Speaking to ANI, he added, “Almost everybody that I met today who attended many of the sessions has been extremely impressed with the quality of the presentations and the quality of the presenters.”
He also noted the presence of significant global expertise. “Extremely high-quality sessions is the common remark. Very eminent people have been attending most of our sessions, and they’ve had excellent inputs to provide to a very, very engaged and interested audience,” he said.
About the India AI Impact Expo 2026
The India AI Impact Expo 2026 is held alongside the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam. It serves as a national showcase of AI in action, bringing together policy, innovation, technology, and the everyday citizen.
Spread across 10 arenas covering more than 70,000 square metres, the Expo features global technology firms, startups, academia, research institutions, Union Ministries, State Governments, and international partners.
It also includes 13 country pavilions, highlighting international collaboration in the AI ecosystem. Participating countries include Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and several African nations.
Entry and Exit Protocols
According to Republic, citing large engagement, Digital India MD and CEO Akhil Kumar announced streamlined entry and exit procedures along with extended Expo timings.
He specified that Gate 4 will serve as the primary exit and vehicle drop-off point, while Metro commuters should use Gate 10 for entry between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. After this window, delegates are encouraged to move toward the Expo area as the main convention hall is cleared.
Authorities have warned of periodic traffic diversions near the ITPO area from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM during the summit for security reasons.
Special traffic arrangements have been put in place, with alternate routes suggested including San Martin Marg, Panchsheel Marg, APJ Abdul Kalam Marg, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Aurobindo Marg, Lodhi Road, South Avenue Road, Vandematram Marg, Barapullah Road, Ring Road, Tilak Marg, Ferozshah Road, Rafi Marg, Sansad Marg, and K. Kamraj Marg.
Motorists are urged to follow traffic personnel directions, maintain lane discipline, and remain patient to ensure smooth vehicular movement.
