Gurugram, Sep 2 — Heavy rainfall brought Gurugram to a standstill on Monday, with traffic jams lasting up to eight hours across major roads. Thousands of commuters were stranded late into the night as waterlogging and gridlocks stretched for over 10km on key highways.
Videos circulating online showed long rows of vehicles stuck bumper-to-bumper, while frustrated commuters posted about their ordeal on social media. “You pay exorbitant rent to come home to this,” one user wrote on X, while others joked they would have reached faster on foot.
The disruption has drawn sharp criticism of Gurugram’s civic infrastructure. Despite being home to the Indian offices of companies such as Google, Meta, American Express and Samsung, the city has long faced flooding and traffic chaos during the monsoon.
Disaster management authorities have advised schools, colleges and offices to work from home on Tuesday, citing forecasts of more rain. Traffic police said additional personnel were deployed at major junctions to prevent a repeat of Monday’s crisis.
The incident has also taken on a political dimension. Residents questioned why Haryana’s BJP-led government has failed to upgrade drainage and traffic systems in one of India’s wealthiest suburbs. “We pay some of the highest taxes in the country, but basic facilities collapse every year,” said a commuter.
India’s monsoon season has already caused widespread damage, with floods and landslides killing hundreds nationwide. In Gurugram, experts say, the issue highlights rapid urban expansion without matching civic planning.
With rain expected to continue this week, officials have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel. But for many commuters who spent hours stuck on Monday, the episode has deepened concerns about the city’s readiness to handle extreme weather.
