The once-bustling streets of Gurugram turned into a parking lot on Monday as torrential rains caused massive traffic congestion, leaving thousands of commuters stranded for up to eight hours. Gurugram, known for its corporate skyline and modern infrastructure, faced harsh criticism from residents angered by the city's poor handling of rainfall.
Social media platforms were flooded with complaints about the dire traffic situation, which stretched over 10km (6.2 miles) on some roads, as viral videos depicted endless lines of vehicles blocked across multiple lanes. One frustrated commuter summed it up: Gurugram is drowning. You pay exorbitant rent to come home to this. Others humorously suggested that walking might have been quicker than navigating the traffic.
In response to the ongoing weather crisis, disaster management authorities have recommended that workplaces, schools, and colleges in Gurugram operate remotely on Tuesday, acknowledging that more rain is expected. Many are questioning why infrastructure improvements have not kept pace with the rapid development of the area, which is home to major global firms such as Google and Meta.
As flooding issues expand beyond Gurugram, officials have warned of rising water levels in the Yamuna river, leading to evacuations from low-lying regions and the closure of critical transport links.
This year’s monsoon has proven particularly lethal across India, with hundreds reportedly dead due to flooding and associated disasters. Of particular concern are the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, where excessive rainfall has resulted in significant loss of life and damage.
The Gurugram incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need for infrastructure enhancements to mitigate the impacts of severe weather events as climate challenges increase in intensity.