Chandigarh experienced persistent light to moderate rain from Wednesday morning, triggering extensive waterlogging, road damage and traffic congestion across several parts of the city, authorities and local reports said.
Roads and markets affected
A section of road in Sector 26 collapsed after being undermined by the rain, while a stretch near Chandi Path towards Sector 29 was reported damaged, creating hazards for commuters. Another damaged portion was seen near the Sector 9/10 light point towards Sector 9.
Water entered shops at the popular mobile market in Sector 22, causing disruption to commercial activity there. The inundation affected shop floors and access for customers through the morning peak.
Traffic disruption and hotspots
Several major intersections across the city saw traffic jams as low-lying roads filled with water. Heavy congestion was reported outside the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI), adding to delay and inconvenience for vehicles approaching the hospital area.
- Sector 26 – road caved in
- Chandi Path / Sector 29 – damaged road stretch
- Sector 22 – shops waterlogged in mobile market
- Sector 9/10 – road damage near light point
- PGI area – traffic congestion
Motorists were advised to exercise caution, reduce speed on waterlogged stretches and avoid routes known to flood. Local traffic police implemented diversions at some junctions to ease movement, while commuters reported extended travel times during the morning rainfall.
River flow and wider Tricity risk
Officials reported an increase in flow in the Patiala Rao, the river that passes through Nayagaon, Chandigarh and Mohali, following heavy precipitation in Himachal Pradesh. The elevated flow has raised concerns about additional waterlogging and potential spillover in low-lying areas of the Tricity cluster.
| Location | Impact |
|---|---|
| Sector 26 | Portion of road caved in |
| Chandi Path (towards Sector 29) | Damaged road stretch |
| Sector 22 (mobile market) | Shops waterlogged |
| Sector 9/10 light point | Road damage reported |
| Patiala Rao | Increased flow reported |
Public safety and municipal response
Municipal and traffic authorities were carrying out inspections of affected roads and deploying teams to clear waterlogged pockets. Residents expressed concern about recurring flooding in some sectors during monsoon spells and the stress on ageing drainage infrastructure.
City engineering teams were assessing the collapsed and damaged road segments to determine immediate temporary repairs and the need for longer-term reconstruction. At the damaged sites, barricades and warning signs were put in place to prevent accidents, and repair crews were being mobilised.
Households and businesses in affected localities were urged to protect electrical appliances and shut off power supply where there was standing water inside premises. Shopkeepers at the Sector 22 mobile market were reported making arrangements to remove stock from the ground level to minimise losses.
Advice for commuters and residents
- Avoid known waterlogging-prone routes where possible and follow traffic police diversions.
- Drive slowly through standing water; avoid braking or sudden manoeuvres that can cause skidding.
- Do not attempt to cross collapsed or visibly damaged road sections; report such spots to municipal helplines.
- Households should move valuables above ground level and disconnect non-essential electricals until waters recede.
With rainfall continuing in parts of the region, authorities and residents remain vigilant for further waterlogging, additional road failures and possible traffic disruption across the Tricity in the coming hours.
