New Delhi: Vehicular movement came to a
virtual halt as motorists were stuck in serpentine jams at
almost all the arterial roads across the capital tonight
following heavy rains that led to waterlogging and breakdown
in traffic signals.
Massive traffic jams were reported from ITO, Dhaula
Kuan, Ring Road, India Gate, South Extension, Moolchand,
Ashram Chowk and several areas in East and North Delhi.
A Met department official said the city received 21.2
mm of rainfall between 8:30 am to 8:30 pm. "The city is likely
to receive more rainfall later in the night," he said.
Traffic snarls took place at several places due to
breakdown of vehicles on the roads also.
"It took me three hours to reach Saket from ITO. Usually
it takes just 45 minutes to one hour" said Ankur Khanna, a
software professional.
The problem was compounded by power cuts in certain areas
as the street lights were even not working.
"It was a harrowing time for me. There was no traffic
policemen on the streets. Even street lights were not
working," Manish Gupta, who was stuck on a traffic jam in
Dhaula Kuan on his way back home in Jungpura Extension, said.
Traffic jams were also reported on several roads
leading to the airport.
The MCD control room received as many as 102 complaints
of waterlogging and 11 of tree falling.
The MCD had maintained that it is fully geared up to
tackle the situation during monsoon and has de-silted all
drains in areas under its jurisdiction. However, there was no
relief for citizens from waterlogging woes.
However, the weather remained comfortable as the maximum
temperature today was recorded at 37.1 degree Celsius while
the minimum was at 28 degrees.
PTI
