New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) Commuters once again had a harrowing time on Delhi roads Tuesday with water-logging after rains resulting in traffic snarls and breakdown of vehicles in many areas.
The rains that started in the capital Monday night caused water-logging at Malviya Nagar, Moti Bagh-Hyatt flyover, Naraina T-point, Delhi University’s North Campus, Chhatrasal stadium, W-point at ITO, Ashram, Moolchand, Mori Gate and Rajouri Garden, according to Delhi Traffic Police.

“We have received several calls regarding traffic jams since 7 a.m. from various parts of the city, particularly from Dhaula Kuan. Our men are managing the situation,” a Delhi Traffic Police official said.

The traffic was moving at a snail’s place in Vasant Vihar, Moolchand, Ashram Chowk, Moti Bagh and parts of north Delhi.

At many places, traffic signals were not working properly, adding to the woes of people heading to their offices but stuck in serpentine jams.

Many troubled commuters expressed their woes on the page of Delhi Traffic Police on social networking website Facebook .

Rajeev Mishra, a user, said: “Adding to the rain woes, many huge vehicles like tempo or truck break down on roads and cause huge traffic problem. During rainy season, breakdown being a common feature, crane services should be provided to clear the vehicle immediately and the traffic police should restore smooth movement of traffic at the earliest.”

Ashish Arya posted that there was a huge traffic jam at Shastri Park.

Replying to this, Mahesh Bhardwaj, a Delhi Traffic Police official, said: “We are directing field staff to look into this jam.”

Many people get SMS alerts from the traffic police on the jams and water-logging. The service, which was started July 16 for general traffic enquiry, comes in handy during rains as commuters avoid the blocked and flooded roads after seeing the alerts.

Roads leading to ISBT, Ramjas College, Aurobindo College and Malviya Nagar saw huge traffic jams, the official said.

Bus breakdowns near Wazirabad and ISBT and a tempo stuck in a ditch in Dhaula Kuan caused huge jams, the official added.

Overnight rains created traffic chaos in many parts of the National Capital Region, including Udyog Vihar and Shankar Chowk in Gurgaon. Traffic slowed down on the Mehrauli-Gurgaon road as well.

“Many parts of the city are flooded. We are getting calls on traffic snarls and water-logging complaints. With rains continuing, the situation will get worse,” a senior civic official told IANS.