Heavy rains leave New Delhi waterlogged

Vehicular movement came to a virtual halt as motorists were stuck in serpentine jams at almost all the arterial roads across the capital tonight following heavy rains that led to waterlogging and breakdown in traffic signals.

Massive traffic jams were reported from ITO, Dhaula Kuan, Ring Road, India Gate, South Extension, Moolchand, Ashram Chowk and several areas in East and North Delhi.

A Met department official said the city received 21.2 mm of rainfall between 8:30 am to 8:30 pm. "The city is likely to receive more rainfall later in the night," he said.

Traffic snarls took place at several places due to breakdown of vehicles on the roads also.

"It took me three hours to reach Saket from ITO. Usually it takes just 45 minutes to one hour" said Ankur Khanna, a software professional.

The problem was compounded by power cuts in certain areas as the street lights were even not working.

"It was a harrowing time for me. There was no traffic policemen on the streets. Even street lights were not working," Manish Gupta, who was stuck on a traffic jam in Dhaula Kuan on his way back home in Jungpura Extension, said.

Traffic jams were also reported on several roads leading to the airport.

The MCD control room received as many as 102 complaints of waterlogging and 11 of tree falling.

The MCD had maintained that it is fully geared up to tackle the situation during monsoon and has de-silted all drains in areas under its jurisdiction. However, there was no relief for citizens from waterlogging woes.

However, the weather remained comfortable as the maximum temperature today was recorded at 37.1 degree Celsius while the minimum was at 28 degrees.