New Delhi | July 22, 2025 — Delhi woke up to intense monsoon showers on Monday morning, resulting in widespread waterlogging, traffic snarls, and temporary disruptions in several parts of the national capital. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), more rainfall is expected over the next 48 hours, with alerts issued for moderate to heavy showers in isolated regions.

City Hit by Sudden Downpour During Peak Hours

The rain began around 6:30 AM, just before office hours, catching commuters off guard. Several arterial roads — including Outer Ring Road, ITO, Lajpat Nagar, Minto Bridge, and parts of South Delhi — witnessed significant water accumulation, severely affecting traffic flow.

“Rainfall recorded at Safdarjung station was 89.2 mm by 9 AM,” said an IMD official, adding that localized intense spells contributed to waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Traffic, Metro Services Affected

The Delhi Traffic Police issued advisories on X (formerly Twitter), warning motorists to avoid certain routes. The Delhi Metro experienced minor delays on the Blue Line and Violet Line due to waterlogging near metro station entrances.

Several schools also opted for delayed openings or online classes due to poor road conditions.

Major Areas Affected by Waterlogging

• Minto Bridge: Underpass submerged, one auto stuck, no casualties reported
• Lajpat Nagar & Amar Colony: Knee-deep water, slowed traffic
• Rajouri Garden: Congestion on Ring Road due to water accumulation
• Narela & Rohini: Complaints of drainage overflow in residential colonies
• Gurgaon border near MG Road: Heavy tailbacks reported

IMD Predicts More Rainfall Across NCR

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted intermittent rain and thunderstorms over Delhi-NCR for the next two days. The weather body issued a “Yellow Alert” for the capital and advised people to stay indoors during high-intensity rainfall periods.

“Moisture-laden monsoon winds from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea are interacting over North India, leading to these intense spells,” said senior IMD scientist R.K. Jenamani.

Delhi’s Drainage Woes Return

Despite repeated assurances and pre-monsoon preparations by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the city’s drainage infrastructure once again came under scrutiny. Residents expressed frustration over repeated waterlogging despite annual desilting efforts.

“It’s the same story every year — 30 minutes of rain and our entire road turns into a river,” said Sunita Sharma, a resident of South Extension.