Roads flooded, vehicles stuck, businesses hit; heavy rain spells chaos in Jalandhar

Two hours of intense rainfall that started around 8.30 am today brought normal life to a halt in Jalandhar on Tuesday, submerging roads, disrupting businesses, and causing widespread chaos across the city. Several prominent areas, including upscale localities like Model Town, Jawahar Nagar, and New Jawahar Nagar, were left waterlogged, with roads resembling rivers. The huge volume of water made commuting a daunting task as many vehicles stalled on the middle of roads due to engine failure or flooded engines.

One of the worst-affected areas was the Damoria Underpass, which had to be closed after it was completely submerged. Commuters attempting to cross the underpass were turned away and alternative routes were jammed with diverted traffic. The Tribune teaem visited various parts of the city and found that most major roads were inundated, leading to severe traffic congestion and long delays. Travelling from one area to another became an ordeal for residents.

On Workshop Chowk, the situation was equally grim. Water almost entered shops and commercial establishments, forcing many shopkeepers to shut shops. With no customers able to reach them, the shop owners stood helplessly at the entrances of their flooded shops, waiting for the water to recede. "This is what we face after just two hours of rain," lamented Rakesh Kumar, a local shopkeeper. "We suffer huge losses on such days. It's becoming a routine problem during the monsoon," he said.

Another car was spotted almost entirely submerged in water at the Chandan Nagar railway underbridge (RUB), highlighting the danger. On Ladowali Road, where media houses are situated and also has the District Administration Complex, it was getting difficult for two wheelers to move through deep water.

Residents across the city voiced anger and disappointment at the authorities. Many criticised the administration’s failure to prepare for such predictable monsoon conditions, pointing out that similar scenes play out every year with little to no preventive action.

"The drainage system is completely shattered," said a resident. "It’s the same story every monsoon. We are left to suffer every time," Sakshi, a parent, said as she was on a two wheeler to take her daughter from a private school.

Even at Patel Chowk, the water was seen entering schools.

Later in the evening, the Municipal Corporation released a statement saying that following the spell of heavy rainfall in the city, the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Cell of the Municipal Corporation managed to dispose rain water in Jalandhar West. The issue of waterlogging at 120 Feet Road was addressed promptly with the swift deployment of teams and tankers.

"With the effective functioning of the newly laid storm water disposal system, rainwater was cleared within a short span of time, ensuring the smooth movement of traffic on this major road. In the past, before the commissioning of this system, it often took 3–4 days for accumulated water to recede from this stretch," the officials said.

"This timely intervention has provided significant relief to commuters and residents, restoring normalcy and improving public convenience. The Municipal Corporation remains committed to further strengthening civic infrastructure and delivering efficient, citizen-centric services," it said