Delhi witnessed another spell of heavy rainfall on Friday, September 4, leaving several parts of the capital waterlogged and disrupting traffic movement. Major stretches near the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Mahipalpur, Connaught Place, Akbar Road and other areas were affected as intense showers overwhelmed roads and underpasses.The Delhi weather also disrupted flight operations, with multiple flights diverted because of adverse conditions. The situation once again brought attention to the city's drainage infrastructure and preparedness for intense Delhi rains.Key HighlightsHeavy rainfall caused widespread waterlogging across several parts of Delhi.Palam recorded around 75.6 mm of rain, the highest among Delhi weather stations during the reported period.Water accumulated around IGI Airport, including areas near Terminal 3.Multiple flights were diverted because of the adverse weather.Traffic movement was severely affected on airport routes and several major roads.Areas including Vasant Kunj, Mahipalpur, Palam and Safdarjung experienced significant rainfall or waterlogging.The MCD and other civic agencies faced renewed scrutiny over drainage preparedness.The IMD issued a red alert during the intense spell and forecast further rain for Delhi.Delhi Waterlogging After Heavy RainThe intense downpour quickly turned several roads and underpasses into waterlogged stretches. Traffic crawled at several locations, with commuters reporting difficulties travelling through flooded roads.The airport corridor was among the worst-affected areas. Waterlogging was reported at the Terminal 3 underpass and other airport access routes, creating problems for passengers and vehicles trying to reach IGI Airport.Other affected areas included Mahipalpur, Subroto Park, Connaught Place, Akbar Road and parts of Dwarka. Traffic congestion was also reported on routes connecting Delhi with Gurugram.Delhi Airport Routes Hit by WaterloggingThe heavy rain had a direct impact on Delhi Airport operations. Water accumulated in parts of the airport forecourt and approach areas, forcing passengers to move through waterlogged sections.According to reports, several incoming flights were diverted to nearby airports during the worst period of the rainfall. Different reports put the number of diversions at nine to 11, depending on the reporting window.Airport authorities said water was subsequently cleared and efforts were made to restore normal operations.MCD and Drainage Response Under ScrutinyThe latest Delhi rains have once again raised questions about the city's drainage system. The MCD and other agencies responsible for roads and drainage have faced criticism whenever heavy rainfall results in widespread waterlogging.However, civic authorities have defended their response, pointing to the intensity of the rainfall and efforts to remove accumulated water. Temporary pumping arrangements were also deployed at some locations.The situation also highlights the fact that waterlogging responsibilities in Delhi are divided among multiple agencies, including MCD, PWD and NDMC, depending on the road or locality.Rainfall Recorded in DelhiThe IMD recorded significant rainfall at several stations during Friday's spell.Palam received approximately 75.6 mm, while Naraina recorded 54 mm and Janakpuri around 48.5 mm. Lodhi Road received 34.6 mm and Safdarjung recorded 32.6 mm during the reported period.The heavy rainfall was accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, prompting weather authorities to issue warnings for the capital.Traffic Situation Across DelhiThe impact was not limited to residential areas. Major roads and intersections witnessed slow-moving traffic as vehicles attempted to navigate flooded stretches.The Mahipalpur-Gurugram route, airport access roads and areas around Subroto Park experienced significant congestion. Traffic police personnel were deployed at several locations to manage the situation and assist commuters.Commuters were advised to exercise caution, particularly around underpasses and low-lying roads where water levels can rise quickly.What Happened in Vasant Kunj, Mehrauli and Mahipalpur?Several South Delhi and airport-adjacent areas were affected by the rainfall. Vasant Kunj and Mahipalpur witnessed water accumulation, while airport-bound roads became difficult to navigate.The Mehrauli and surrounding South Delhi areas also remained vulnerable to disruptions as heavy showers continued across the capital. Palam, meanwhile, recorded the highest rainfall among the city's major stations during the reported spell.Minto Bridge and Other Waterlogging HotspotsMinto Bridge has historically remained one of Delhi's well-known waterlogging-prone locations because of its low-lying structure. Such underpasses require rapid drainage and pumping during intense rainfall.Meanwhile, other locations across Central, South, West and East Delhi also reported water accumulation. Connaught Place, Akbar Road, Anand Vihar and Dwarka were among the areas affected during the latest spell.Latest Delhi Weather UpdateThe IMD forecast continued rainfall for Delhi on Saturday, with the city's official forecast indicating moderate rain and thunderstorms. Further showers could lead to renewed waterlogging in vulnerable areas.With the capital preparing to host the BRICS Summit on September 12–13, the latest episode of waterlogging has also renewed discussion about Delhi's infrastructure and drainage preparedness.
