Rain brings relief, waterlogging leads to traffic chaos in city

Overnight rainfall continuing into Tuesday morning brought much-needed relief from heat but also unleashed a wave of civic distress across the city. Waterlogging was reported from several key areas, with the Jalandhar bypass emerging as one of the worst-hit zones.

The slip road near the bypass, commonly used by vehicles to change lanes, was submerged under water, forcing commuters to wade through or take risky detours. In some stretches, the road surface has broken apart, exposing potholes and loose gravel, adding to the danger.

“This road is a daily route for me but today it felt like driving through a river. Rain is welcome but not when it brings such misery,” said Harpreet Singh, a resident of Basti Sheikh, who got stuck near the bypass.

Other areas such as Domoria Bridge, Chandigarh Road, Ferozepur Road, Ladhowal Road also witnessed heavy water accumulation, leading to traffic snarls.

Two-wheeler riders were particularly affected, with many abandoning their vehicles mid-route due to rising water levels.

Residents expressed frustration over the city’s chronic drainage issues, which resurface every monsoon.

Despite repeated assurances from the civic body authorities, the lack of a robust storm water management system continues to leave large parts of the city vulnerable.

“Every year it’s the same story. We prepare for rain like it’s a disaster, not a season,” said Balbir Singh, a shopkeeper near Railway Road.

MC officials said emergency teams had been deployed to pump out water and assess damage. As the monsoon continues, residents are hoping for not only clearer skies — but clearer roads also.