Traffic Standstill: What’s Happening on Delhi Roads?

Ever been stuck on a Delhi highway while the rain pours and the traffic crawls like a snail? You’re not alone. The city’s roads often turn into a parking lot when the monsoon hits, the Yamuna rises, and weather alerts go up. Below we break down why the standstill occurs and what you can do the next time you’re caught in it.

Rain, Rivers and Roadgridlocks

When the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issues a yellow or orange alert, it’s more than just a heads‑up for umbrellas. Three weather systems can dump water at once, pushing the Yamuna above its evacuation mark. Once the river hits 207 metres, officials pause cremations at Nigambodh Ghat, close low‑lying bridges and divert traffic. The result? Bottlenecks on the Inner Ring Road, the Delhi‑Gurgaon Expressway, and even suburban streets.

Recent headlines show the pattern clearly. A fresh IMD yellow alert last week forced commuters to face “traffic choked in key stretches,” while flights at IGI Airport were delayed. In another case, heavy rain on August 23 caused water‑logging in Faridabad, slowing down the main thoroughfares and upsetting daily commutes. The common denominator is the same: water on the road, low visibility, and a city not built for sudden downpours.

Practical Tips to Beat the Stop‑Start

While you can’t control the weather, you can control how you react. First, check the IMD alerts before stepping out. If a yellow warning is active, consider leaving a bit earlier or using alternate routes that stay away from flood‑prone zones like the Yamuna banks.

Second, keep a digital map with live traffic updates ready. Apps that show real‑time congestion can reroute you around stalled sections. Many commuters have saved minutes by hopping onto the Delhi Metro when the road network slows down – the underground isn’t affected by rain.

Third, pack a small “rain kit” in your car: a towel, a plastic sheet, and a pair of extra shoes. A sudden splash can ruin your interior and slow you down further if you need to stop for a dry‑off.

Finally, stay flexible with your schedule. If you have an appointment that can shift by thirty minutes, take that leeway. Employers are increasingly understanding of monsoon‑related delays, especially when you give them a heads‑up.

Remember, a traffic standstill isn’t just an inconvenience – it can lead to missed flights, delayed deliveries, and stressed nerves. By staying informed, using alternate transport, and keeping a cool head, you can turn a rainy jam into a manageable pause.

So the next time the city’s weather forecast flashes a yellow alert, you’ll know why the traffic comes to a halt and how to keep moving without losing your mind.

Intense Rainfall Paralyzes Ranchi: Traffic Chaos as Roads Flooded

22.03.2025 By: Aarav Bhatnagar

A heavy downpour turned Ranchi's roads into rivers, halting traffic at 8:30 PM due to intense waterlogging. Emergency responses were initiated to tackle the situation, highlighting weaknesses in urban drainage infrastructure. The event emphasized the need for better disaster preparedness and real-time weather warnings.