Delhi waterlogged after heavy rain, NH-48 inundated

Several parts of Delhi were submerged on Saturday after heavy rain, with roads disappearing beneath knee-deep water and traffic slowing to a crawl, following heavy showers a day earlier. The downpour left the National Highway-48 between Indira Gandhi International Airport and Dhaula Kuan inundated. Several airlines have issued advisories to passengers on their way to the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). Delhi Airport authorities said flight operations were normal as of Saturday morning.

Heavy waterlogging was also reported around the Palam airport tunnel and Neem Chowk Road in Sangam Vihar. Shakarpur, Laxmi Nagar, and Mehrauli-Badarpur Road witnessed waterlogging, while several stretches in Sangam Vihar were inundated. Mahipalpur saw particularly severe waterlogging, with vehicles struggling to wade through water and children splashing on flooded stretches.  Heavy waterlogging was reported at Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

As heavy rains hit the city, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta conducted a surprise inspection of waterlogged areas near Sadbhavna Park in East Delhi. During the inspection, she assessed areas prone to waterlogging, reviewed the cleanliness of major roads, and received updates on the water drainage system and the challenges posed by the ongoing rains.

“She directed officials to immediately deploy pumps and other necessary resources in waterlogged areas and ensure swift clearance of accumulated water,” the Chief Minister’s Office said in a statement.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, Safdarjung recorded 22 mm of rainfall between 8.30 am and 11.30 am, while Palam received 25.2 mm, Lodhi Road 24.4 mm, and Ridge 6.8 mm during the period. Among other stations, Aya Nagar recorded 13.4 mm of rain, Pusa 13.5 mm, Mayur Vihar 7 mm, Jafarpur 2.5 mm, Chhatarpur 22 mm, Janakpuri 8.5 mm, Naraina 20.5 mm, Jharoda Kalan 4.5 mm and Pritampura 2.2 mm between 8.30 am and 11.30 am.

Delhi received higher rainfall in August and September compared to Mumbai. Delhi base observatory (Safdarjung) recorded 391.4mm in the last 36 days, while Mumbai (Santacruz) is at 328 mm. The monsoon axis is a low-pressure area positioning has favoured NCR. Although in terms of June - 5th September (Seasonal rainfall), Mumbai is far ahead with 2224mm while Delhi only had 691.2mm.

Several airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, issued passenger advisories as rain lashed Delhi and adjoining areas on Saturday morning, causing flight disruptions at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Bad weather is currently affecting Delhi, leading to possible delays in flight operations, India’s largest airline IndiGo said in a post on X, urging passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.

“Bad weather is currently affecting Delhi, leading to possible delays in flight operations. Our teams are closely monitoring the situation. If you’re travelling today, we recommend checking your flight status on our website or app before leaving for the airport. Please also allow for additional travel time, as road conditions may be slower than usual,” it said.

Tata Group-owned carrier Air India also said that flight operations to and from Delhi may be affected due to adverse weather conditions today. However, Delhi Airport authorities said the flight operations are currently normal. In an advisory issued at 10:30 AM, the IGI Airport operator GMR said, “As per the Indian Meteorological Department’s forecast, inclement weather conditions are expected in the vicinity of Delhi Airport. However, flight operations at Delhi Airport are currently normal. Our on-ground teams are working diligently with all stakeholders to ensure your journey remains hassle-free. For the latest flight information, passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines.”

Delhi Traffic Police on X cautioned the public about slow traffic at various locations due to waterlogging and preparations for the BRICS Summit. A tree was reported to have fallen on Mathura Road between Apollo Hospital and Ashram Chowk.

The stretch from Rotary Chowk to DJB Chowk and the route towards Omaxe via Radha Swami Satsang Bhavan and DJB Chowk, Road Number 210 from Rotary Chowk to DJB Chowk, DJB Red Light-Omaxe Road, Omaxe Road in Dwarka covering Sectors 1, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 20, and the NH-8 underpass were waterlogged.