Traffic disruptions persisted at major locations such as ITO, Rajghat, and Anuvrat Marg on Thursday following heavy overnight rainfall that led to extensive waterlogging in the national capital. The Public Works Department (PWD) was forced to close Minto Bridge, Pul Prahladpur, Jakhira, and Kirari underpasses due to the adverse weather conditions.
In Subzi Mandi, a house collapse resulted in two injuries, while a wall collapse in Daryaganj caused damage to several vehicles. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted scattered drizzle and light rain for Thursday morning. A yellow alert has been issued, indicating the potential for worsening weather throughout the day, with light to moderate rainfall expected in various parts of Delhi.
Officials reported that although Moolchand and Tilak Bridge underpasses were waterlogged, they remained open for traffic. “Most of the waterlogging on major PWD roads was cleared overnight except at ITO, where more than five pumps were deployed to remove the water,” an official stated.
Delhi Police mentioned that underpasses in Zakhira, Okhla, Ashram, and Kishanganj (Azad Market) had been dewatered, but uprooted trees continued to affect traffic flow at Sector-1 Dwarka, Rajapuri Crossing, and Golf Course Road, Sector 16 Dwarka. Additionally, a road collapse at Dhaula Kuan resulted in the closure of the affected areas.
“We identified significant leakage from the DJB pipeline near the Minto Bridge underpass and closed it as a precaution to avoid potential incidents. At surface level, waterlogging was reported from ITO, Dhaula Kuan, Sadar Bazaar, and other areas along the Ring Road,” a PWD official explained.
Widespread Waterlogging
Waterlogging was also reported from Lodhi Colony, Patiala House Court, Nyay Marg, Hanuman Road, Safdar Hashmi Marg, Chanakyapuri, Laxmi Nagar, and Kaka Nagar. Social media showcased visuals of a waterlogged road outside the new Parliament and flooded corridors of Connaught Place.
Amit Gupta from the New Delhi Traders Association highlighted the severe impact on Connaught Place. “Several corridors and parking areas were inundated, affecting shops. Water was flowing back from Panchkuian Road, leading to waterlogging in A Block Middle Circle, H Block, and G Block. Many shops suffered damage, and the Middle Circle’s service tunnel, which houses electrical facilities, is a significant concern,” Gupta said.
The PWD control room received over 110 calls regarding waterlogging on their helpline since Wednesday evening. The convergence of thunderclouds on Wednesday led to intense rainfall, with rates exceeding 50mm per hour. Rain intensity dropped after 8:30 pm but continued until 2:30 am before easing.
Historical Rainfall Data
Private forecaster Skymet Weather’s vice-president, Mahesh Palawat, reported that Safdarjung recorded 107.6mm of rain, the highest 24-hour rainfall since 2010. The previous record was 184mm on July 2, 1961.
By Thursday morning, water had been drained from stretches such as Chaudhary Fateh Singh Marg near Majnu Ka Tilla and Okhla underpass, which had affected traffic late on Wednesday. Warnings were issued to avoid stretches such as Anuvrat Marg, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, and the carriageway from Moolchand towards Chirag Dilli, Outer Ring Road.
IMD reported heavy rainfall across various weather stations from 8:30 am Wednesday to 5:30 am Thursday. Safdarjung recorded 107.6mm, Palam 68.3mm, Delhi University 104.5mm, Najafgarh 112.5mm, and Mayur Vihar 147.5mm. Moderate rainfall was observed at Narela (39.5mm) and Pitampura (45.5mm), with no rainfall recorded between 2:30 am and 5:30 am.