Delhi authorities are drawing up a comprehensive action plan to resolve the chronic waterlogging that plagues Terminal 1 of the city’s airport and its adjoining roads. Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) have confirmed that a review of the drainage network has been prioritised to ensure the aviation hub does not face crippling disruptions during the monsoon season.
At a high-level review meeting, it was decided that all drains feeding into the airport corridor will undergo a detailed assessment. Engineers will evaluate the discharge capacity of the existing pipelines and determine whether they can cope with peak rainfall. In cases where capacity is inadequate, desilting and declogging will be fast-tracked, supported by modern equipment to minimise delays.Coordination with other agencies has also been intensified. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Delhi Cantonment Board (DCB) have already conducted joint site visits with the PWD to identify choke points. A new 600-millimetre-diameter pipeline will be laid from NSG Chowk to Terminal 1 to ensure smoother water outflow during heavy rain. For this, the NHAI has sanctioned nearly Rs 3.5 crore to the DCB, ringfencing funds for long-term drainage upgrades.
Experts say the recurring waterlogging not only disrupts flights but also highlights gaps in Delhi’s urban resilience planning. Environmental specialists argue that with climate change driving extreme rainfall events, cities like Delhi must redesign critical infrastructure with sustainability at the core. Waterlogging incidents affect not just passengers but also add to the airport’s carbon footprint, as stranded flights mean higher emissions.
Urban planners stress that strengthening stormwater management systems must go hand-in-hand with eco-sensitive measures such as rainwater harvesting and sustainable urban drainage systems. By designing drainage projects that recycle and recharge water, Delhi could transform the crisis into an opportunity for greener infrastructure.Officials acknowledge that while immediate steps are being taken, a systemic solution will require sustained investment. For citizens and frequent flyers, the urgency is clear: the airport is not only a transport hub but also the city’s gateway to the world. Persistent waterlogging undermines both mobility and Delhi’s ambition of becoming a climate-resilient metropolis.For now, the government’s commitment to delivering a robust action plan signals intent. Whether it translates into lasting change will depend on how effectively eco-friendly urban planning and engineering solutions are integrated into the city’s infrastructure blueprint.
Delhi plans Rs 3.5 crore drainage upgrade to end Terminal 1 waterlogging
