Heavy monsoon showers lashed large parts of north India on Monday, triggering significant waterlogging, severe traffic disruption in Delhi-NCR and flight diversions at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, officials said.
Widespread waterlogging and traffic paralysis in Gurugram and Delhi
The Gurugram district administration reported that the city had received 70 mm of rainfall by 1.30 pm, with multiple arterial roads inundated and vehicles stranded. Key junctions including Rajiv Chowk, IFFCO Chowk, Railway Road and parts of Old Delhi Road and Mehrauli Road were heavily affected, the administration said.
In many places in Gurugram parents were seen carrying children on their shoulders to wade through flooded stretches to reach buses. The Naharpur underpass and sections of Sohna Road saw school buses and ambulances caught in knee- to waist-deep water, leading to long delays.
In the national capital, several central stretches faced severe accumulation of rainwater. Areas in and around Lutyens' Delhi, Mathura Road, Connaught Place, Bhairon Marg and ITO reported waterlogging, while the Zakhira underpass also remained inundated. Social media videos showed students wading through waist-deep water in Sangam Vihar and Old Delhi’s Sadar Bazar.
Flights diverted and cancellations at IGI
Operations at the Delhi airport were disrupted: officials recorded that at least 15 flights were diverted, scores of services delayed and some cancelled due to adverse weather and low visibility. An official said that 12 flights were diverted to Jaipur, two to Chandigarh and one to Lucknow.
"12 flights were diverted to Jaipur, two to Chandigarh and one to Lucknow," an official said.
Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for updated schedules and alternative arrangements. The airport authorities and airlines typically issue advisories on rebooking and passenger assistance in such events.
Regional impact and meteorological view
Heavy showers also affected parts of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh during the day. The Meteorological Department described the downpour over north India as part of active monsoon activity, noting isolated heavy spells in several pockets.
In Uttar Pradesh, the department said light to moderate showers with isolated heavy downpours disrupted normal life in some urban areas, while monsoon behaviour remained normal across the state over the preceding 24 hours.
Practical implications for commuters and residents
- Commuters should expect long travel times on main arterial roads across Gurugram and central Delhi and plan journeys accordingly.
- Travellers at IGI Airport must monitor airline communications for diversion or cancellation updates and allow extra time to reach terminals.
- Residents in low-lying localities should avoid walking through floodwater where possible and exercise caution near underpasses.
Rainfall snapshot
| Location | Reported rainfall |
|---|---|
| Gurugram | 70 mm (by 1.30 pm) |
| Parts of Delhi | Some areas recorded almost 67 mm |
District and municipal agencies in Delhi and Gurugram were engaged in clearance and relief work through the afternoon, responding to calls related to stranded vehicles and waterlogged residential pockets. City administrations routinely keep pumps and rescue teams on standby during periods of heavy rain.
Authorities emphasised that motorists should not attempt to drive through deep water, and urged citizens to follow traffic advisories and updates from local agencies and the meteorological department as the monsoon spell evolves.
Further developments on flight schedules and road conditions are likely as agencies update situational reports; passengers and commuters were advised to use official channels for latest information.
