AI Impact Summit Day 2 runs smoother with fewer crowds but livestream, transport troubles persist
February 18, 2026
The AI Impact Summit on February 17, 2026, went smoother than the previous chaotic day. More areas opened to visitors with less crowding. Students and corporates formed steady lines at multiple gates. All sections of the government-led event were accessible, easing previous congestion. Unlike February 16, no large-area evacuations occurred. Extra hall space at the 100-acre Bharat Mandapam was also opened, helping visitors spread out evenly. Organisers used the three-day break before leaders’ arrival to fix initial problems. Fresh banners at food courts now clearly show digital payments are accepted. On the first day, some cash counters refused UPI and cards. Vijay S., an attendee, posted on X: "Less crowd today (February 17, 2026), smoother movement, and big banners outside meeting rooms for better visibility," calling it a "good recovery after yesterday’s chaos." Visitors had earlier flagged poor signage. However, livestream problems remained. Many sessions on the IndiaAI YouTube channel started late, skipped speaker intros, or had silent audio. Public transport outside the venue continued causing issues. Most events were inside the sprawling complex, requiring long walks. Some programmes took place at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan and across central Delhi. The two nearest metro stations are minutes away, making quick travel between sessions tough. Two speakers missed their sessions due to traffic and long lines at entry gates. Organisers ran shuttles only on demand, unlike fixed-schedule services common in big events. This limited transport options for attendees.
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Tags:
Ai Impact Summit
Bharat Mandapam
Crowd management
Livestream Issues
Public transport
Digital payments
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