Delhi Faces Severe Traffic Gridlock After Heavy Rain And Festival Rush
Delhi experienced a challenging commute on Tuesday as heavy rainfall coincided with the festive rush, creating widespread traffic congestion across the city. Commuters reported slow-moving vehicles and prolonged delays in key areas including Tikona Park near Jamia Millia Islamia, Radisson Hotel flyover on NH-48, and stretches of the Outer Ring Road in northwest Delhi. South Delhi roads, notably Mahatma Gandhi Road, NH-48, and Captain Gaur Marg, also suffered severe congestion.
According to city traffic authorities, the double impact of inclement weather and increased pedestrian activity linked to festival celebrations caused significant slowdowns. Officials advised motorists to plan journeys ahead, avoid waterlogged stretches, and consider public transport to reduce travel stress. Social media updates highlighted gridlocks on Mathura Road, Old Rohtak Road, and from Mahatma Gandhi Road to GT Karnal Road, illustrating the scale of disruption across the metropolis.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius, while the minimum settled at 28.7 degrees Celsius, around 5.4 degrees above normal. Relative humidity at 8.30 am was 74 per cent. Experts noted that while the rainfall provided welcome relief after a prolonged sultry September, it simultaneously exacerbated existing urban mobility challenges due to limited drainage infrastructure and high traffic density.The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported Delhi’s air quality index at 114 in the ‘moderate’ category at 8 am, demonstrating temporary improvements in air pollution following the showers. Experts emphasised the need for integrated urban planning, including expanded stormwater management systems, smarter traffic routing, and strengthened public transport networks, to mitigate recurring congestion during extreme weather events.
Urban mobility analysts highlighted that the combination of weather extremes and festival-related footfall is a recurring challenge in Delhi. With increasing incidences of heavy rainfall linked to climate change, sustainable urban solutions are critical. Expansion of metro networks, improved last-mile connectivity, and real-time traffic management could play a pivotal role in alleviating gridlocks while promoting a greener, low-carbon urban commute.Authorities reaffirmed that citizens should exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel during peak congestion hours, and adhere to official advisories. While rainfall brings temporary respite from heat, it underscores the urgency for resilient, eco-friendly urban transport infrastructure that can accommodate both climate variability and citizen mobility needs.
