By Kavita Mistry 
Last Updated:
The issue of waterlogging at Minto Bridge could be traced back to the 1950s, and almost every year, similar claims were made by the governments and agencies. Yet, the picture remains the same every time Delhi witnesses a good amount of rain
The railway bridge has Connaught Place on one side and the New Delhi station on the other. File pic/ANI
A flooded Minto Bridge, with a vehicle or two barely visible under the water, is an image that reappears every year when the monsoon hits the national capital. The historic railway bridge, built in the 1930s, has not just seen a lot of water flooding under it, but also the flood of politics, blame games, and agencies running away from their responsibilities.
However, the picture is set to change this monsoon. The Public Works Department (PWD) in Delhi is undertaking some much-needed and awaited repairs to prevent waterlogging ahead of the monsoon.
On Friday, the top ministers from the Delhi cabinet, including chief minister Rekha Gupta, inspected the bridge and waterlogging points in Delhi.
Gupta, while speaking to the media, said that they have also used tankers to test the capacity of the pipes and pumps. She said the tankers poured water on the road, which was cleared within minutes.
Recalling past incidents, she said last time the situation was so bad that even the pump operator could not reach the location, and the pump was also submerged in rainwater. She also recalled the image of buses being submerged in waterlogging under the bridge.
“We have started the preparation well in advance and have tested by using tanker water. Automatic pumps have been installed under the bridge. These pumps will start working as soon as the water reaches a certain level. A 2.5 km long pipeline has been built that will take all the water away. All the waterlogging points in the city will get dedicated care to ensure the public does not suffer in the rain,” she said.
The issue of waterlogging at Minto Bridge could be traced back to the 1950s, and almost every year, similar claims were made by the governments and agencies. Yet, the picture remains the same every time Delhi witnesses a good amount of rain.
The railway bridge has Connaught Place on one side and the New Delhi station on the other.
According to a Delhi government official, there were talks to build another railway bridge and replace this one.
“But this bridge has been a tough spot, as it is a heritage structure. This cannot be redeveloped. The bridge was built in the 1930s. The height was low, and the design was made keeping in mind the needs of that time. But over the years, traffic and transportation needs have changed. However, the height of the bridge remained unchanged,” the official said, requesting anonymity.
Shaped like a bowl, the road under the bridge is prone to heavy water accumulation.
“Also, all the structures around the bridge are new and are at a greater height. The bottom part of the bowl-like road turned deeper over the years,” the official explained.
In 2020, the PWD floated a tender for a 3-km-long drainage system for Minto Road, Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Marg, and its catchment area. Two new drains were built, but the situation did not change.
Now, the PWD is building another 1,000 mm diameter drainage three metres underground. This will eventually be connected to a larger drainage system.
Speaking to the media, Delhi cabinet minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma on Friday said that officials have been instructed to ensure that all essential tasks are completed on time so that no waterlogging issues arise at any location during this monsoon season.
The government, he said, has given orders for strict monitoring of waterlogging.
“In 2023, Delhi police had identified 308 waterlogging-prone spots, which were reduced to 194 in 2024. Most of these spots fall under the jurisdiction of the PWD. Work is ongoing toward resolution. Desilting of drains is being accelerated, pump stations are being installed at necessary locations, and several pump stations are being automated,” he said.
Verma also said the shortage of pump operators is being addressed through new appointments, and at places where drain construction is underway, temporary solutions are being ensured by installing pump sets.