Vehicles halt due to rain, cause severe congestion in Delhi

New Delhi: Rain triggered traffic congestion in several parts of the city, with many motorists halting midway and resuming only after the downpour eased. Travellers posted their woes on social media and share updates on the state of roads from numerous multiple locations.

"Every time it pours in Delhi-NCR, the driving rules somehow become optional… the number of vehicles going the wrong way increases, traffic lights stop functioning, and even when some work, no one follows them," a motorist posted on X. Another wrote, "Libaspur underpass has been jammed for the last half an hour, and no traffic personnel are present at the spot."


There were reports of congestion near Qutub Minar, Kashmere Gate, Mehrauli and many more spots. During the home commute in the evening, the rain caused lengthy, intractable jams on the roads. As one car owner heading towards Saket groaned, "If anyone is trying to get to Max Hospital this evening, I pray for you. The road leading to the hospital is horribly jammed in this pouring rain. An ambulance was struggling to get through for over 30 minutes on a short stretch. Delhi is a mess in the monsoon."

Reacting to this situation, another user on X poured out his grievances: "The entire Press Enclave traffic flow and multiple intersections need a revamp and strict monitoring." The road going to Kalindi Kunj via the Sarita Vihar underpass and the main road facing Jasola faced a similar situation. Due to waterlogging and damage to the underpass, traffic invariably comes to a halt when it rains. A tweet appealed, "Traffic on Kalindi Kunj bridge… due to heavy rainfall it is getting very hectic, kindly help."

In other parts of the city, the exasperations were no less. "Heavy traffic reported in Hari Nagar market (near Sandoz). There were police staff present close to the spot but no help extended by them. It was after I and a couple of other Samaritans (intervened) that things improved," said a self-congratulatory user.

Ironically, sources said there were no major calls on waterlogging on the PWD helpline. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi also didn't report any waterlogging in areas under its jurisdiction.