Heavy monsoon showers led to heavy waterlogging around Bharat Mandapam in the Pragati Maidan area of New Delhi, where traffic was badly affected, and commuters were inconvenienced during peak hours. Cars were partly submerged in rainwater, and drivers were waiting for traffic police to clear roads and parking lots as roads were partly submerged under water, but cars moved slowly in mud-covered areas, witnesses said.
The downpour that swept across much of the capital deposited water at many low-lying places. The affected areas were Bharat Mandapam, one of Delhi’s top convention and exhibition centers, where rainwater stood on the road, and people had to take a cautious approach.
Waterlogging near Bharat Mandapam, Delhi pic.twitter.com/Vh3Qm0cR6A
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The traffic in the Pragati Maidan corridor was also slow down as the vehicles were stuck in waterlogged areas. The commuters were stuck in traffic, and two-wheelers and small vehicles were moving slowly to avoid getting stuck in the water. Traffic police were in place to control traffic and minimize congestion.
The incident once again highlighted the challenge of urban flooding in Delhi in monsoon season. Drainage in some parts of the city has improved a lot in recent years, but heavy rainfall over an extended period of time still impairs its stormwater drainage system, and waterlogging is common in low-lying areas.
But authorities had warned people not to drive on flooded roads where it is not safe to unless necessary to do so. Waterlogged roads also increase the likelihood of vehicle breakdowns, and potholes and damaged roads can be hidden by the road surface, posing dangers to drivers and pedestrians.
Field teams and pumps were sent to the ground to clear up the water and restore normal traffic conditions in the city by civic agencies. At key junctions and low-lying areas around the city, drainage systems operated efficiently and effectively to keep up.
The IMD has forecast continued monsoon activity in Delhi and in the vicinity and moderate to heavy rainfall for the next couple of days. Heavy rain is expected to be intense, and weather officials have advised residents to be on guard in areas that are prone to flooding during such heavy rains.
Bharat Mandapam hosts big national and international conferences, exhibitions and cultural events in one of the capital’s busiest areas. Smooth traffic flow around that venue is essential as many people visit the place daily.
Over the years, many infrastructure projects have been initiated to improve stormwater drainage and waterlogging around Pragati Maidan and nearby roads. These include improvement of drainage systems, pumping expansion, and rainwater discharge systems. Even in heavy rains, they can still lead to temporary flooding before the water is totally drained.
Experts say that the rapid growth of cities, paved surfaces, and changing rainfall patterns have made flood management in cities like Delhi increasingly important in metropolitan areas. They say that extensive investment in drainage infrastructure, regular desilting of drains, and integrated urban planning are necessary to minimize monsoon-related disruptions.
Delhi Traffic Police also advised commuters to check real-time traffic updates before heading towards the ground and cooperate with traffic police officers on the ground. Citizens should avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall and report waterlogged areas or drainage problems to the concerned civic authorities.
As the monsoon is still active, authorities continue to monitor weather conditions closely while emergency response teams remain on standby to address waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and other rain-related incidents across the national capital.
