India is hosting one of the biggest AI trade fairs, the AI Impact Summit 2026, at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, where people from all over the world gather to talk about the emerging technology. After receiving an overwhelming response, the central government decided to extend the timeline of the mega event by another day.
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, IT Minister Krishnan announced in a press conference that the exhibition has been extended by another day, i.e. the event will be open to the public till Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 8 PM (IST).
However, the IT Secretary also confirmed that the AI Expo will remain closed to the public on Friday, February 19, 2026 due to VIP movement at the event.
AI Impact Summit 2026 was previously scheduled to take place between Monday, February 16, 2026, and Friday, February 20, 2026, before the extension was announced at Wednesday’s press conference.
IT Minister Krishnan also reiterated that all sessions of the AI Impact Summit 2026 will be streamed online on Friday, February 19, as no public intervention will be allowed in the Bharat Mandapam premises on Friday.
Timing of AI Impact Summit 2026 on February 18th
The Ministry of Electronics and IT has on 18 February 2026 released the shared timings, general advisory, shuttle service and parking availability information for the participants arriving on the third day of the mega AI event.
Check Timings (IST) for AI Impact Summit 2026 —
- Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre: from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
- Bharat Mandapam Expo Area: from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m
- Sushma Swaraj Bhawan: from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m
The ministry also said that registered delegates are strongly advised to use public transport, metro services or taxis to get to the venue due to the limited availability of parking spaces.
AI Impact Summit 2026 — Gate Information
1. Gate number 4: The entrance gate will be open from 8:00 a.m. for departures by car or taxi.
2. Gate number 10: The entrance gate will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for delegates arriving via the metro route.
3. Gate number 5A: The entrance gate will be open from 8:00 a.m. for media entry.
The ministry also warned that people are likely to face occasional traffic restrictions in and around the ITPO area between 4pm and 11pm. It was also mentioned that access to events through other designated gates will continue to be subject to security screening and protocol movement restrictions.
“Limited parking will be available at the following parking lots,” the ministry said, highlighting three parking lots – Purana Qila Parking, Zoo Parking Space and JLN Stadium Parking.
People can avail shuttle service which will run from these places to Bharat Mandapam gate number 4.