Rainfall returned to major parts of Delhi-NCR on Tuesday afternoon after a brief pause, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a heavy rain alert for the national capital and its surrounding areas. The downpour caused waterlogging in several pockets of the city, forcing the Delhi Traffic Police to issue travel advisories and temporarily close the Old Iron Bridge.
IMD Issues Orange Alert for Delhi, Noida, Gurugram
In its latest bulletin, the IMD has issued an orange alert for Delhi, North, Central, South, East, North East and Shahdara districts, predicting moderate to intense rains along with thunderstorms. A yellow alert has been issued for West, North West and South West Delhi where light to moderate showers are expected.
The alert has also been extended to Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad where heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in the next 24 hours. The weather agency has asked residents to be cautious, especially in low-lying areas prone to waterlogging.
Yamuna Crosses Danger Mark, Traffic Chaos Ensues
The heavy rain has pushed the Yamuna River above the danger level of 205.33 meters and the Old Loha Pul (Iron Bridge) has been closed. Movement near the bridge will be allowed only after 5 pm and traffic restrictions will continue till further orders.
In an advisory posted on X, the Delhi Traffic Police said: “Traffic will be diverted via Hanuman Setu, Raja Ram Kohli Marg and Geeta Colony Road. Please be patient, follow traffic rules and cooperate with traffic personnel.”
Diversions in Place Across Key Routes
Traffic diversions have been put in place at Hanuman Setu, Bela Road (behind Red Fort), and both sides of the Old Iron Bridge. Vehicles from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Old Delhi Railway Station and Red Fort will now be diverted via Hanuman Setu to Outer Ring Road and further to Geeta Colony Road.Rajghat and Shanti Van commuters will be diverted from Bela Road T-point to Shanti Van Chowk and then to Raja Ram Kohli Marg to Geeta Colony Road. From northeast side including Shahdara, Seelampur and Shastri Park traffic will be diverted through Pushta Road. From east Delhi including Akshardham, Mayur Vihar and Pandav Nagar traffic will be diverted via Geeta Colony Flyover.