Republic Day Preparations and Heavy Rain Cause Chaos in Delhi, Leaving Commuters Stranded
Image Source: Internet
New Delhi: A perfect storm of heavy rainfall and Republic Day parade rehearsals brought Delhi to a standstill on Friday, causing massive traffic congestion across the city and its borders. The gridlock, which lasted for several hours, left commuters, students, and ambulances stranded, with many parents reporting that their children's commute times doubled. Residents and commuters took to social media to express their frustrations, with many sharing photos of knee-deep brown water on roads and streets. The Delhi Traffic Police had issued an advisory for traffic restrictions around Connaught Place, Janpath, and other areas due to Republic Day parade rehearsals. While the rain subsided by evening, the city's drainage system was stretched to the limit, with waterlogging reported on several roads, including Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, Rohtak Road, and Mathura Road. Officials attributed the waterlogging to the city's compromised drainage system, which is plagued by clogged sewers and potholed roads. "The roads in Old Delhi are not designed to handle rain," said Ashok Bhasin, president of a federation of North Delhi Resident Welfare Associations. "The sewers have not been cleaned, and the roads are littered with potholes, which trap a lot of water.
