NEW DELHI: A 'red alert' was issued as a heavy spell of rain, accompanied by gusty winds, disrupted daily life across the national capital on Tuesday morning. The downpour plunged major roads into chaos and led leading airlines to issue travel advisories, although no major flight disruptions were reported.
Several key areas—including ITO, Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, Nehru Place, Kailash Colony Road, Dhaula Kuan, Naraina, Patel Nagar, Vijay Chowk, Jangpura, RK Puram, Lajpat Nagar, Talkatora Road, Azad Market Railway Underpass, Ram Bagh Road, Bhishma Pitamah Marg (from Lodhi Road), Zakhira Railway Underpass, and Road No. 40—experienced severe traffic disruptions and waterlogging.
Office-goers and early commuters waded through knee-deep water, battling gridlock and poor visibility as movement slowed to a crawl in several areas.
Between 8:30 am and 11:30 am, Delhi recorded 63.5 mm of rainfall at its primary weather station in Safdarjung, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre. Other weather stations reported varied amounts: Ridge received 129.4 mm, Ayanagar 23 mm, Lodhi Road 64.5 mm, Pragati Maidan 44.4 mm, and Pusa 37.5 mm.
The Delhi Traffic Police reported that traffic was disrupted on Bhishma Pitamah Marg, particularly on the carriageway from Lodhi Road toward Kotla, due to waterlogging near the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium roundabout. The department issued an advisory on X, urging commuters to avoid the affected stretch and opt for alternate routes.
Traffic congestion was also reported at the Zakhira Railway Underpass and Road No. 40, with diversions implemented near Inderlok Chowk. Traffic from Shastri Nagar and KD Chowk was rerouted towards Chaudhary Nahar Singh Marg, and vice versa.
On Ring Road, waterlogging near the Seva Nagar Bus Depot and Barapullah led to disruptions in the carriageway from Sarai Kale Khan towards INA Market.
Similar issues were reported at the Azad Market Railway Underpass and Ram Bagh Road, where diversions were enforced for vehicles coming from Rani Jhansi Road, Barfkhana, Pul Mithai, and Veer Banda Bairagi Marg, according to the Delhi Traffic Police.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by lightning and surface winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph throughout the day.
Although no flights were cancelled or significantly delayed, the weather triggered precautionary alerts from major airlines.
IndiGo warns of delays, traffic snarlsIn a post titled “A Rainy Day Reminder,” IndiGo said: “With heavy rainfall expected over #Delhi, we're seeing a chance of delays and slower traffic to and from the airport. Please check your flight status and consider giving yourself a little cushion of time.”
SpiceJet flags weather impact at Delhi and DharamshalaSpiceJet also sounded an alert on X: “Due to bad weather in Delhi (DEL) and Dharamshala (DHM), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected. Please check your flight status.”
Air India cautions flyersAir India echoed the concerns, stating: “Gusty wind and rain may impact flight operations to and from Delhi this morning… Allow extra time for your journey.”
Delhi airport also issued an advisory on Tuesday urging passengers to plan their travel with caution due to sudden weather changes in the city.
No official alertThe India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) regional centre in New Delhi predicted “generally cloudy sky with light rain at most places and moderate rain at isolated locations, accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning.” The department also predicted an intense downpour over the next two hours, with rainfall likely to continue until August 3.
Despite the intensity, no colour-coded alert had been issued by the IMD as of the time of reporting.
More showers are expected over the coming days, with authorities urging residents to stay alert and avoid waterlogged areas where possible.
(With agency inputs)
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