Delhi Traffic Gridlocked Amid Heavy Rains and Kanwar Yatra Restrictions

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Traffic across the national capital came to a standstill on Tuesday as persistent rainfall and ongoing restrictions for the Kanwar Yatra brought major roads to a halt. Commuters reported long delays and widespread waterlogging in several key areas of Delhi.

Heavy morning showers impacted traffic flow in south and southwest Delhi, where waterlogged underpasses and key roads left vehicles stranded. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued a yellow alert for the city, forecasting continued rainfall throughout the week.

Simultaneously, restrictions imposed for the Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage drawing thousands of Shiva devotees, further worsened congestion. Key roads including Yudhister Setu (Tis Hazari–Shahdara), Boulevard Road, Lothian Road, and stretches of the Delhi–Meerut Expressway (DME) were closed or diverted, affecting regular traffic.

Authorities briefly opened the DME in the morning to ease congestion during rush hour, but quickly shut it again by noon due to the increasing volume of pilgrims. Similar conditions were reported on NH-9 and surrounding corridors, with commuters from Ghaziabad, Noida, and Faridabad facing hours-long travel times.

“Due to ongoing Kanwar Yatra arrangements and heavy rainfall, major delays are being experienced. Commuters are advised to plan accordingly and avoid restricted routes,” said a senior Delhi Traffic Police official.

Traffic police have issued advisories recommending alternate routes, such as Swami Dayanand Marg, Keshav Chowk underpass, Pusta Road, and GT Road. They have also increased deployment of officers and activated control rooms to help manage traffic and provide real-time updates.

The Kanwar Yatra restrictions are expected to remain in place until July 23. In the meantime, authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge the public to stay updated through official channels. 

The public is also reminded for the following: 

• Torrential rain has led to severe waterlogging and delays.
  
• Kanwar Yatra traffic curbs have closed major roads.
  
• DME reopened briefly but was shut again due to pilgrim influx.
  
• Traffic advisories suggest alternate routes to avoid congestion.
  
• IMD predicts more rain this week under a yellow alert.
  

Commuters are encouraged to leave early, avoid peak hours, and follow guidance from traffic officials as the city works to mitigate the disruptions.