New Delhi: A heavy spell of rain on Wednesday evening turned Delhi’s roads into a commuter’s nightmare, with massive traffic snarls reported across key junctions and arterial roads. From those trying to exit the city to Noida or Gurgaon, to office-goers simply heading home within the capital, few were spared the ordeal.The downpours led to waterlogging in several parts of the city. In east Delhi, areas like Shastri Park, Krishna Nagar and Gandhi Nagar were flooded. In central Delhi, waterlogging was reported at Bishambar Das Marg, Gurudwara Rakab Ganj and Bharat Mandapam on Mathura Road. Those crossing ITO to reach Vikas Marg and onward to Noida found themselves stuck in snarls that stretched journeys to nearly two hours — even as late as 9pm, live traffic maps showed long stretches marked in red.Much of south Delhi too, including the key Chirag Dilli intersection, was impacted, with vehicles crawling for over an hour. Traffic was also disrupted in Nehru Place, Greater Kailash I, Ring Road, Rail Bhawan, Akshardham, Ashram, ITO, Pul Prahladpur, Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, MG Road, Old Rohtak Road, Shadipur, Madhuban Chowk and NH 8. People reported waterlogging on CV Raman Marg, Mathura Road, opposite Savitri Complex and Mahipalpur area as well.In west Delhi, even Britannia Chowk, near the CM’s residence, was gridlocked.A commuter told TOI the road from Chattarpur to Gurgaon was badly choked after it was flooded due to overflowing sewer lines. “This caused a jam for kilometres,” he added.Traffic movement on Delhi-Meerut Expressway was also impacted after the rain. Another commuter said that because of severe congestion on the route towards GK-I from Inner Ring Road, commuters were diverting to the Chirag Delhi traffic signal. “But even there, traffic was choked till Nehru Place, with people stuck in snarls for hours,” the commuter added.However, sources in traffic police said agencies acted swiftly wherever waterlogging was reported. “No massive waterlogging was reported this time, including at prominent intersections and underpasses such as Minto Road and ITO. At sites where complaints were received, instant action, such as the installation of pumps and engagement of staff, was taken,” stated Delhi Traffic Police.A senior official noted that many two-wheelers halted under flyovers or trees for shelter, causing further disruption and narrowing available road space.Among areas that reported some waterlogging included Mahipalpur, Rohtak Road, Pul Prahladpur, near Kotwali in Narela, Copernicus Lane, near Delhi Police headquarters, GT Karnal Road, Ramlila Maidan and Kashmere Gate, said DTP. No waterlogging was reported in Kalkaji, it added. In Kalindi Kunj, action was taken after some reports were received. According to sources, the highest rainfall was recorded in Najafgarh, followed by Aya Nagar and Pragati Maidan.New Delhi Municipal Council said only one complaint was reported about waterlogging at the integrated command and control room at Harish Chandra Mathur Lane till 9pm. “Work is in progress at the site. Also, six complaints of power cuts were received. There was no report of damage to trees. However, some people shared photos of branches collected after pruning of trees in the afternoon,” said the official.M eanwhile, Municipal Corporation of Delhi reported waterlogging at four places — New Friends Colony, Nathupura in Burari, Sant Nagar and Samaypur in Civil Lines zone. It also reported damage to trees on Shamnath Marg, RK Puram, GK-I E-block and Khichripur.Frustrated commuters took to social media to vent. “It’s really heavy rain. It was difficult to even drive. Humans can only do so much,” one user posted.Another person, stuck on Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, wrote: “I’ve been here for 1.5 hours. @DelhiTrafficPol @DelhiPolice @LtGovDelhi what is this madness?”One commuter pointed out structural issues: “Delhi has to be the worst city when it comes to traffic management during rain. Long DTC buses clog narrow roads, and layered transport systems — autos, e-rickshaws, delivery vans — make it worse. Add to that, a complete lack of civic sense.”