NEW DELHI: Severe traffic congestion due to waterlogging following heavy rainfall in several areas of the national capital today overwhelmed commuters, with long tailbacks of vehicles seen at major intersections and roads.
South Delhi was among the worst-hit where traffic was thrown out of gear during peak hours this morning.
Severe waterlogging was reported near AIIMS, IIT-Delhi, Ashram-DND flyway, Moolchand underpass, Jasola, Panchsheel flyover, Yusuf Sarai, Adhchini, South Extension and in several other areas on the Ring Road.
Commuters, who tried to take diversions from the arterial stretches, ended up being stranded in areas like Safdarjung Enclave, Defence Colony and Lodhi Colony, said a transport department official.
"Fortunately, it was a weekend and the water accumulated on major road stretches had reduced significantly by the peak hours. Had it been a regular weekday, things would have been worse," Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Sandeep Goel said.
The top transport department official said, waterlogging at the mouth of the IP flyover continued till noon, due to which traffic coming from Rajghat and elevated Ring Road had to be diverted. The trouble was caused by a sewer leakage, which the civic body officials should look into.
Major road stretches that witnessed traffic snarls for long hours include the Ring Road stretch on both sides of Sarai Kale Khan, Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, Aurobindo Marg, Outer Ring Road stretch covering Hauz Khas, Greater Kailash, Nehru Place and Modi Mill, and Mathura Road, officials said.
Other parts of the city which witnessed a chock-a-block situation include central Delhi areas like Paharganj and IP Estate; north Delhi areas like Malka Ganj, Bara Hindu Rao, Baraf Khana and Azad Market. Areas in west Delhi included Naraina and Punjabi Bagh; and near Delhi Secretariat, Vikas Marg, Nand Nagri and Anand Vihar in the east.
The MeT department said Safdarjung observatory recorded 43.4 mm of rainfall while 41.66 mm of rainfall was recorded at Palam observatory till 8.30 AM today.