Our ‘rainwashed’ Capital

In a repeat of last year’s monsoon mayhem, traffic in the national Capital came to a near standstill following Thursday evening’s downpour, even as waterlogged roads and choked drains took a heavy toll on motorists.

In a repeat of last year’s monsoon mayhem, traffic in the national Capital came to a near standstill following Thursday evening’s downpour, even as waterlogged roads and choked drains took a heavy toll on motorists.

HT Image

The worst-hit were office-goers stuck in massive traffic jams during the evening rush hours. South and central Delhi bore the brunt of traffic travails, with snarls reported from AIIMS, Moolchand, Nehru Place, Chirag Dilli, Outer Ring Road and Ashram, making it a harrowing experience for thousands of commuters.

New Delhi areas like Connaught Place, India Gate roundabout, North Block, Bengali Market and Central Secretariat saw maximum congestion. Traffic obstructions were also reported from Mandir Marg, Barakhamba Road, Minto Road and Ranjit Singh flyover, apart from Chanakyapuri.

Another downpour is expected on Friday afternoon, with the Met department predicting the possibility of thundershowers. Saturday could also see some light rainfall.

Heavy rains led to traffic jams — caused by waterlogging — at busy roads near Govindpuri Metro station, GB Road, Mathura Road, Sarita Vihar Metro station and both carriageways of Apollo Hospital. Traffic moved at snail’s pace on Barapullah flyover, with jams reported from Dhaula Kuan, Maharani Bagh, IP flyover, Ring Road, Saket, Lado Sarai and other south Delhi areas.