Rishi Sunak Jokes AI Can’t Fix Delhi Traffic After Late Arrival at AI Summit

Delhi’s persistent traffic congestion became the subject of global attention when former UK Prime minister Rishi Sunak arrived late for a joint session in the national capital and humorously blamed the city’s gridlock. His remarks, delivered at an event attended by international delegates and officials, drew laughter while highlighting the scale of Delhi’s traffic challenges.

Sunak reached the British High Commission in New Delhi for a joint session with UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, where he apologised for the delay and jokingly remarked that while artificial intelligence can solve many problems, managing Delhi’s traffic still remains beyond its capabilities. His light-hearted comment resonated with the audience and reflected a common frustration shared by residents and visitors alike.

Continuing in a humorous tone, Sunak praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for artificial intelligence and noted India’s rapid progress in the field. He jokingly added that India may have surged ahead in AI development, but England continues to rank higher in ICC Test cricket rankings — a remark that further amused attendees.

The delays occurred amid heavy congestion across central Delhi due to ongoing events at Bharat Mandapam linked to the AI Impact Summit, along with traffic diversions and restrictions imposed for VIP movement. Several major routes experienced severe slowdowns, with vehicles moving slowly or remaining stuck for extended periods.

Commuters across the city reported significant travel delays. Many took to social media to express frustration over road closures and security restrictions. Some residents claimed they were stuck in traffic for hours, blaming VVIP movement arrangements for disrupting daily travel. One commuter described the situation as a “crazy gridlock” and said normal working citizens faced severe inconvenience due to restricted movement.

Navigation apps showed frequent route changes as authorities diverted traffic, causing confusion among drivers. In response, many residents advised others to avoid road travel during the summit period and instead use the Delhi Metro to navigate the city more efficiently.

The traffic chaos also affected international delegates attending the summit. Reports indicated that at least one global technology leader missed a high-profile dinner event after becoming stuck in traffic while attempting to return to her hotel before the evening programme.

Delhi’s traffic congestion has long been a concern for residents, policymakers, and visitors. The situation worsens during major international events and VIP movements, raising questions about urban mobility planning and infrastructure readiness in one of the world’s most densely populated capitals.

Sunak’s remarks, though humorous, underscored a serious urban challenge. As Delhi continues to host major global events and expand as a major economic hub, experts stress the need for smarter traffic management systems, better coordination during VIP movements, and increased public transport adoption to reduce congestion and improve mobility.