Millennium City chokes after deluge, NCR reels under chaos

A deluge of over 100 mm rainfall within a few hours on Monday evening plunged Millennium City into chaos, leaving its residents battling flooded streets, stranded commutes and traffic snarls that stretched for hours. What began around 4 pm soon snowballed into gridlock across the city, paralysing movement well into the night.

Hundreds were stuck in traffic jams or stranded outside Metro stations without last-mile transport. Taking cognisance of the disruption and with an orange alert issued for September 2, the district administration has advised work from home for all private offices and online classes for schools. Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar also appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel on Tuesday.

Major stretches, including NH-8, Badshapur, Manesar and Sohna were submerged, while traffic bottlenecks at Tulip Chowk, Rajiv Chowk, Signature Tower and Iffco Chowk turned into complete gridlock. Videos circulating online showed vehicles inching through waterlogged roads, underpasses submerged and commuters wading through knee-deep water.

“I have been stuck in my car for the last one hour and it still may take half an hour to cover just five kilometres. The roads are cratered and filled with water. It’s a nuisance every time it rains,” said Rakesh Mehta, a software professional from Sector 65.

Despite the odds, the entire Gurugram traffic police force was on the ground, helping push broken-down vehicles, clearing drains and directing traffic. Many officers were seen with rolled-up trousers and sleeves, working alongside residents to keep traffic moving.

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) deployed pumps and its full workforce to drain out water from key stretches and residential colonies. “It has already rained 100 mm and not just Gurugram but the entire NCR is impacted. We have our teams on the ground and are draining waterlogged areas within two hours,” said MCG Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya.

The deluge also disrupted Metro commuters, many of whom were left stranded without cabs or autos for last-mile connectivity. While cab aggregator apps went offline, auto drivers charged exorbitant fares — up to Rs 200 for a 2 km ride. Traffic police were even seen helping passengers at Huda City Centre Metro station find autos.