Delhi Rains Trigger Flyover Collapse and Traffic Chaos Across NCR

Heavy rains lashed Delhi and the National Capital Region, leading to severe waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and even structural damage. A portion of a flyover on National Highway 44 collapsed, adding to the chaos on one of the busiest routes connecting Delhi with Haryana and Punjab. With commuters stranded and vehicles crawling through flooded roads, the downpour exposed the fragile state of urban infrastructure once again.

The collapse of the flyover section shocked morning travelers. While no major casualties were reported, the incident forced authorities to divert traffic, creating long delays across the corridor. Repair work has begun, but the sudden structural failure has raised serious concerns about the safety of other bridges and flyovers across Delhi NCR, especially during heavy rains.

Waterlogging was reported in key areas like ITO, Ashok Vihar, Narela, Rohini, and stretches of Gurugram and Noida. Underpasses and arterial roads turned into pools, trapping vehicles and disrupting public transport. Metro services ran, but feeder routes faced severe congestion, leaving commuters with limited options. For people in Tier-2 connected towns like Sonipat and Panipat, delays stretched journeys into hours.

Local businesses and daily wage earners bore the brunt of the disruption. Many shops remained closed due to flooding, and roadside vendors struggled as footfall dropped sharply. In smaller towns around Delhi, goods supply was also hit as trucks stood stranded on NH-44 and adjoining highways. The ripple effects are expected to last for days until normal traffic resumes.

The Delhi government and civic bodies deployed pumps to drain water, while disaster response teams were stationed at vulnerable sites. Yet, the recurring nature of waterlogging raises questions about long-term planning and infrastructure readiness. Experts argue that unchecked construction, poor drainage maintenance, and climate-driven intense rainfall events are combining to overwhelm city systems.

The rains may ease in the coming days, but the chaos has underlined a pressing reality: NCR’s infrastructure is not equipped to handle extreme weather. For residents, it means not just traffic jams but also safety risks when structures fail under pressure. The flyover collapse is a reminder that beyond quick fixes, what Delhi needs is stronger planning, stricter maintenance, and systems built for the future.