Delhi Responds to Underpass Flooding During Festival

Zakira Underpass closes due to waterlogging during Raksha Bandhan festival weekend

2026-03-23, Moovit News Team

Delhi Zakira Underpass Shuts Amid Waterlogging

Delhi commuters face major detours as the Zakira Underpass closed due to waterlogging during the busy Raksha Bandhan festival period, Delhi Traffic Police said. The key connector between North West and West Delhi serves thousands of daily travelers from Ashok Vihar, Shalimar Bagh, Pitampura, and Adarsh Nagar heading to Patel Nagar, Karol Bagh, and Moti Nagar. The closure comes as festival traffic peaks, creating challenging conditions for motorists navigating alternate routes.
Waterlogged underpass in Delhi with traffic barriers and diversion signs visible, showing standing water blocking vehicle passage

Festival Timing Compounds Traffic Challenges

The underpass closure coincides with the Raksha Bandhan festival weekend, when traffic volumes typically surge across Delhi's road network. Zakira Underpass serves as a critical link for cross-city travel, and its closure forces thousands of vehicles onto secondary routes. Traffic police said the waterlogging also affected the Azad Market Railway Underpass on Ram Bagh Road, requiring additional diversions. Officials haven't specified when drainage work will be completed or when the underpasses will reopen to traffic.

Alternate Routes Redirect Cross-City Traffic

Delhi Traffic Police directed motorists to use Inderlok, Road No. 40, Swami Narayan Marg, and New Rohtak Road as alternate routes around the closed underpass. The detour adds travel time for commuters crossing between northwest and west Delhi neighborhoods. Traffic personnel have been deployed at key intersections to manage the redirected flow, officials said. Specific details about expected delays or the number of vehicles affected weren't provided by authorities, though the underpass typically handles heavy volumes during peak hours.

Metro Service Continues Without Disruption

Delhi Metro remains fully operational despite the road closures, with authorities recommending public transport as the most reliable option during the disruption. Traffic police advised commuters to start their journeys early, check real-time traffic updates, and follow directions from deployed personnel. Officials requested motorists to remain cautious and cooperate with traffic management efforts. A specific timeline for when the waterlogging will be cleared and normal traffic will resume wasn't announced.
Delhi Metro train at elevated station platform with passengers boarding during daytime operations

Riders Navigate Festival Weekend Delays

Commuters traveling between northwest and west Delhi should expect longer journey times and plan accordingly during the Raksha Bandhan period. The combination of underpass closures and festival traffic creates congestion on alternate routes throughout the affected corridors. Traffic police said cooperation from motorists will help manage flow during the disruption. Moovit provides real-time traffic updates and alternate route suggestions for Delhi commuters navigating the underpass closure and festival-period congestion.