The Pragati Maidan tunnel which had been closed due to waterlogging following last week's heavy rain in Delhi reopened for the public on Monday. According to officials, public works department officials said traffic movement in the tunnel resumed on Monday after it was cleaned. The tunnel had been closed since June 28.
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, the Safdarjung observatory -- the city's primary weather station -- recorded 228.1 mm of rainfall, followed by 192.8 mm at Lodhi Road, 150.4 mm at Ridge, 106.6 mm at Palam, and 66.3 mm at Ayanagar on June 28.
The 228.1 mm rainfall recorded in the 24 hours that ended at 8:30 am on June 28 was more than three times the June rainfall average of 74.1 mm and the highest for the month since 1936. The public works department said it received more than 200 calls from waterlogged areas. Water was drained out of the Minto bridge underpass and many other parts of the city after hours.
Here are some salient features of Pragati Maidan tunnel
- The tunnel was inaugurated on June 19, 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- It is an integral part of the Pragati Maidan Redevelopment Project
- The tunnel was built at a cost of more than Rs 920 crore, entirely funded by the Union Government
- The main tunnel connects Ring Road with India Gate via Purana Qila Road passing through Pragati Maidan
- The six-lane divided tunnel has multiple purposes, including access to the huge basement parking of Pragati Maidan
- A unique component of the tunnel is that it can facilitate the movement of traffic from either side of the parking lot
- It is said to be equipped with the latest global standard facilities for smooth movement of traffic
Delhi weather update
The national capital recorded a maximum temperature of 37.1 degrees Celsius on Sunday, a couple of days after Delhi was lashed by 228.1 mm of rains, bringing the city to its knees and claiming multiple lives. According to the weather department, 9 mm of rain was recorded in the city on Sunday, while humidity was 60 per cent at 5.30 pm.
The India Meteorological Department has predicted overcast conditions and heavy rain on Monday and Tuesday.It also said that heavy rains at isolated places in Delhi and adjoining states are very likely till July 4.
(With inputs from PTI)
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