Heavy rainfall brings chaos to Chandigarh, Panchkula: Traffic jams and waterlogging galore

Commuters in Chandigarh and Panchkula faced severe disruptions on Monday morning due to heavy rainfall, which caused widespread waterlogging and traffic snarls across key stretches. The usual 15-minute drive between the two cities stretched to nearly two hours as bottlenecks formed during peak office hours. Vehicles crawled along the 4-5-km stretch, with congestion lasting well beyond 11 am. The Hallomajra route to Chandigarh also experienced 1-2-km long congestion in the morning.

After two of the three floodgates of Sukhna Lake were opened on Monday morning, four alternative routes to Chandigarh were closed, leading to heavy vehicular movement on Madhya Marg and the Hallomajra route. According to the Chandigarh Traffic Police, Jan Marg near the old Secretariat building in Sector 9 and roads in Sector 10 were the worst affected. Advisories were issued, urging commuters to avoid these areas and take alternative routes.

Despite the downpour, traffic personnel braved the rain, directing vehicles on Madhya Marg, which carries the bulk of the morning rush between 8 am and 10 am. In contrast, Panchkula residents expressed frustration over the absence of traffic regulation. Housing Board Chowk was gridlocked, with no functioning traffic lights or police presence.

One commuter remarked, “From the Sector 7 roundabout to Housing Board, there was a massive jam. The roundabout is always a traffic mess. It’s high time authorities took it up seriously. Posting police personnel during peak hours would certainly help.” A resident pointed out the problem of neglected infrastructure, saying, “Traffic lights were installed at Sandeep Sagar Chowk, but they have never been switched on. Isn’t that a waste of taxpayers’ money?”

On social media, a user wrote, “Despite being a regular and busy route to Chandigarh, traffic remains poorly managed at Shahid Major Sandeep Sagar Chowk. There is consistently no functional traffic signal, and no police personnel actively managing the traffic flow.”

Sumit Nayar, who usually takes 25 minutes to reach from Sector 15 Panchkula to Industrial Area Phase 2 Ramdarbar, was stranded on the road for over two hours. “I left around 9.25 am and till 11.15 am, I only reached the railway crossing. Only after crossing Transport Chowk, the traffic eased,” he said. Daily commuter Partha Banerjee echoed these concerns, “Panchkula traffic problems are not new, but they have become a permanent headache.”

Mohit Gupta, who runs a resident’s group called Solution Box, called for urgent reforms. “The Sector 7/8 roundabout is always a mess. Authorities need to find a permanent solution. Regular deployment of traffic personnel during peak hours and activation of the already-installed traffic lights will certainly ease the chaos.”

Panchkula DCP Traffic, Manpreet Singh Sudan, said he would look into the issue faced by citizens. With both cities battling rain-induced disruption, the gridlocks exposed the stark difference in traffic management approaches on either side of the border, leaving residents to demand quicker, more lasting interventions.

Heavy rainfall warning

Deputy Commissioner Monika Gupta issued a heavy rainfall warning, stating that the Ghaggar river has risen dangerously close to the danger mark following relentless rainfall. The meteorological department has forecast further heavy rain for today and tomorrow. She urged residents to avoid rivers, drains, and waterlogged areas, describing them as potentially life-threatening.

Roads damaged, routes diverted

Continuous heavy rainfall in Panchkula has led to extensive damage to roads and severe waterlogging across the district. To ensure public safety and minimise inconvenience, Panchkula Traffic Police have diverted several routes and urged motorists to follow designated alternatives.

Officials reported that the bridge over the river between Alipur and Khatauli village has been damaged. Vehicles heading towards Khatauli are now required to travel via Mauli and Raipur Rani, or use the Mattawala route. Similarly, the bridge on the Mauli-Barwala road has collapsed, leading to the complete closure of the stretch, with commuters being advised to prefer the Derabassi route.

Traffic flow has slowed at multiple locations due to potholes and construction work. The road at the Vikas Nagar naka is broken, causing congestion, while movement is hampered on stretches from Barwala Bus Stand to Barwala Bypass, Sukhomajri Bypass to Nawan Nagar T-point, Mallah Mor Pinjore to Parwanoo Border via Kalka, Mauli to Pyarewala, and Mattawali to Trilokpur Mor.

DCP Traffic Manpreet Singh Sudan appealed to motorists to drive cautiously, follow diversions where routes are closed, and exercise particular care during the monsoon season. In case of emergency, residents may contact Flood Control Room on 0172-2562135, Police Control Room on 7508324900, or dial 112.

Schools to remain closed

In view of the weather conditions, all schools in the district’s four blocks – Morni, Barwala, Pinjore, and Raipur Rani – will remain closed on September 2. The district administration has urged the public to remain vigilant and prioritise safety as rainfall continues.