Heavy traffic jam was reported on Monday morning after Pragati Maidan tunnel was closed for vehicular movement due to waterlogging on the stretch. Delhi Police have put up barricades on the entry points of the tunnel to restrict the traffic movement.  A security guard posted at the Pragati Maidan tunnel gate said that this was closed by the police on Sunday night.

According to Public Works Department (PWD) officials, work is underway to pump out the water to ensure that the tunnel can be opened for traffic movement by Tuesday.

The tunnel connecting Pragati Maidan to the transit corridor is temporarily closed due to the occurrence of significant waterlogging, the Delhi Traffic Police said. “The heavy downpour in the area has resulted in the inundation of the tunnel, rendering it inaccessible for public use. To mitigate the waterlogging situation, an extensive pumping operation is currently underway by Delhi Police and tunnel maintaining authorities i.E. PWD etc.

“In the meantime, we kindly request commuters to utilise alternative routes and modes of transportation available. Adequate signage and information boards have been placed at strategic locations to guide commuters towards the alternative options,” it said.

According to traffic police officials, the heavy downpour in the area has resulted in the inundation of the Pragati Maidan tunnel, rendering it inaccessible for public use. “

In a tweet, the Delhi Traffic Police said, “Movement of traffic is restricted at Pragati Maidan tunnel due to waterlogging. Commuters are advised to plan their journey accordingly.”

The PWD officials said they are working to solve the problem but added that the waterlogging was due to water being released from NDMC areas.

 They also explained that the water from the basement of the convention centre, which is under construction, is pumped out into the tunnel. The PWD has written to the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), flagging the issue multiple times, they said.

Meanwhile, the tunnel’s closure causes commuters a great deal of inconvenience and raises questions about the overall safety of the region. One of the commuters on social media asked about the route to reach central Delhi. The commuter stated that every route had the same issue and asked the police to issue diversion routes.

Another stated that due to the closure of the tunnel, he had to go to Sarai Kale Khan, come back to the India Gate circle through Bhairon Marg and then take a U-turn from Nizamuddin. Traffic was also affected in other parts of the city, including the busy ITO intersection.

According to reports, authorities are likely to evaluate the situation and take the required action to resolve the waterlogging problem in the tunnel. However, the shutdown serves as a reminder of the difficulties presented by torrential rain and the requirement for sturdy infrastructure to survive such conditions.

The closure of the tunnel is alarming as it could not stand even a single monsoon.

It was aimed to provide hassle-free and smooth access to the new world-class exhibition and convention centre being developed at Pragati Maidan. It was also aimed to facilitate easy participation of exhibitors and visitors in the programmes being held at Pragati Maidan.

The tunnel also promised to guarantee trouble-free vehicular movement, significantly reducing commuters’ costs and time. It was part of the government’s primary vision to ensure ease of living for people through transforming urban infrastructure.