Heavy rain caused widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions across several parts of the national capital on Saturday, including key routes around Indira Gandhi International Airport, Mahipalpur and National Highway-48. The disruption came days before the BRICS Summit, scheduled at Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13, putting additional focus on the city’s preparedness and drainage arrangements.

The airport corridor was among the worst-affected stretches, with knee-deep water reported in some areas and an auto-rickshaw nearly submerged. The Dwarka underpass connecting Palam with the IGI domestic area and stretches near Terminal 3 were also inundated following heavy rain. Temporary pumps were deployed at the Dwarka underpass, where water accumulation was also linked to flooding in nearby Mehrampur.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta conducted a surprise inspection near Sadbhavana Park in East Delhi and reviewed the situation with officials. She sought updates on drainage arrangements and directed authorities to deploy pumps and other necessary resources to clear accumulated water quickly. The capital has been receiving continuous rain since Friday, affecting several roads, underpasses and residential areas.

Also Read: Delhi Airport Waterlogging Reported After Heavy Rain, Passengers Face Difficulties

Waterlogging was reported on the NH-48 stretch between IGI Airport and Dhaula Kuan, as well as the Palam airport tunnel and Neem Chowk Road in Sangam Vihar. Shakarpur, Laxmi Nagar and Mehrauli-Badarpur Road were also affected. Several stretches in Dwarka, including roads around DJB Chowk, Omaxe and Radha Swami Satsang Bhavan, witnessed water accumulation, while the NH-8 underpass was also affected.

The Delhi Traffic Police issued warnings about slow movement at multiple locations as commuters faced delays. The city also reported fallen trees at several places, including Mathura Road and near Malviya Nagar Metro Station. The PWD and MCD received multiple complaints related to fallen trees and waterlogging, with most waterlogging complaints handled within about an hour. The MCD also received complaints concerning power supply disruptions.

With the BRICS Summit approaching, senior Delhi government officials inspected the route between Bharat Mandapam and IGI Airport to identify vulnerable points. The latest disruption follows a review meeting chaired by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on August 26, during which a coordinated “whole of government” approach was sought to address waterlogging. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department maintained an orange alert for the city, forecasting thunderstorms and light to moderate rain, with moderate to heavy showers expected in several areas.

Also Read: Delhi Weather Highlights: Heavy Rain Causes Waterlogging And Traffic Disruptions