Yamuna threatens Delhi: From Signature Bridge to Rajghat, traffic curbs in place; fresh advisories issued

NEW DELHI: The rising water levels in the Yamuna severely disrupted traffic in the city, with multiple key stretches either closed or diverted over the past two days.

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By Wednesday, the flooding began to affect the Outer Ring Road stretch from Majnu Ka Tila to Salimgarh Bypass. Fresh advisories were issued, with traffic diversions set up at Wazirabad-Signature Bridge and Chandgi Ram Akhada-IP College Red Light. Police cautioned that adjoining stretches would likely see heavy congestion, adding that no vehicles would be allowed in the inundated areas.



In its advisory, Delhi Traffic Police urged commuters to avoid the affected routes, refrain from roadside parking and plan their journeys in advance. Motorists were asked to follow directions from traffic personnel while emergency vehicles were assured free passage at all times. Officers said real-time updates would be available via the traffic police website, helpline numbers and social media platforms.

By evening, the Majnu Ka Tila stretch was gradually reopened, though the situation remained difficult elsewhere. At Kashmere Gate ISBT, vehicles were seen partially submerged and commuters waded through knee-deep water. The diversions also triggered congestion on arterial roads such as Vikas Marg, Ring Road and other parts of Outer Ring Road.

The authorities warned that restrictions and diversions could continue depending on the Yamuna's water levels. The first major restriction due to the rising river level was imposed on Tuesday when police shut down Old Iron Bridge for all vehicular and pedestrian movement from 4pm. The closure, still in force on Wednesday, was enforced as a safety measure after the water level rose dangerously close to the bridge.

Traffic from Kashmere Gate ISBT, Old Delhi Railway Station and Red Fort was rerouted via Hanuman Setu along Outer Ring Road, Raja Ram Kohli Marg and Geeta Colony Road. Vehicles from Rajghat and Shanti Van were diverted through Bela Road T-point before being channelled back onto Ring Road and Geeta Colony Road.