As monsoon clouds gather over the National Capital, dark times lie ahead for the people. The initial but torrential rain on Sunday has already exposed chinks in the preparedness of civic agencies for the season.
Not only did people on the roads face difficulty due to slow movement of traffic, but even air travellers at Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport in the city took a hit as the premises were waterlogged.
Poor weather conditions threw air traffic out of gear as over 90 Delhi-bound flights were delayed. Domestic flights from Mumbai, lucknow, Agartala and Bhopal were affected, though there were no cancellations or diversions.
Sources said passenger movement was affected at the terminal for over five hours until the water was flushed out. In a sight unbecoming of a world-class facility like T3, international travellers were seen wading through ankle-deep water in the evening hours. Water had also accumulated at Terminal 3 Airport Metro Station, stalling commuter movement there too.
According to airport sources, water settled at the domestic side of the terminal. “Three conveyor belts at the domestic side were not working. Due to this, other conveyor belts were overloaded and baggage was taking longer than usual to be scanned, troubling fliers,” said a source.
“Water that seeped in also caused lifts to stop working. The basement level of the domestic operational area of T3 was flooded, damaging stored goods,” the source added, pointing out that though the runway was unaffected, water made its way to the apron.
Passengers had to wade through the terminal with their luggage. “It was a harrowing experience. We had to carry our luggage, as the luggage trolley bags were rendered useless. The entire premises were flooded and water flowed towards the domestic check-in area too,” complained Vivek Jain, a traveller. Airport sources said the problem was at its peak from 2 pm to 5 pm and the water was pumped out after over three hours.
The situation at the Airport Metro Station was equally chaotic. Scores of commuters arriving at IGIA via the Metro link faced flooded paths. Even the corridor linking the Metro Station with T3 was waterlogged, following incessant rain and had to be shut down.
Blocking this direct access route to airport T3 hassled hundreds who were forced to exit the Metro station first and then take a detour to enter the international terminal.
“There was water everywhere at the station. It was difficult to reach the international terminal as the corridor towards it was waterlogged and the exit closed. We therefore, had to make our way out through a different exit point and enter the terminal from outside the
station premises, all the while lugging out baggage,” said Poorvi Khanna, a
hassled passenger.
Airport operator Delhi International Airport ltd (DIAl) said, “In view of poor drainage in surrounding areas and the comparatively low elevation of the airport, Sunday's heavy rainfall led to back flow of water towards the terminals.” A Reliance Metro spokesperson, however, said the trains were running according to schedule.
“There was some temporary closure of the direct access to T3 due to waterlogging, but the train services were unaffected. Due to the location of the Metro station — below the level of the terminal — water just flowed in. However, it was flushed out in time and the situation was under control,” an official claimed.
As it rained almost throughout the day, traffic on the Capital’s roads was also affected but the commotion was limited since it was a holiday. Those who came out to enjoy the weather and relax on their offday met flooded streets and slow traffic.
According to the municipal corporation, there were a couple of complaints of waterlogging in Karol Bagh and Old Delhi areas. A tree had fallen on Aurangzeb Road due to strong winds, blocking it for a while and hindering traffic.
Traffic also remained heavy on stretches like Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, Aurobindo Marg, Bhishm Pitamah Marg, August Kranti Marg, MB Road and MG Road, among others.