Watch: Road caves in on highway in Gurugram, triggers 10-km traffic jam

A major section of the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway (NH-48) near the Sunbeam company in Gurugram's Narsinghpur area collapsed on Tuesday due to heavy rain, causing a severe traffic jam that stretched nearly 8 to 10 kilometers. The incident triggered widespread disruption, leaving commuters stranded for hours and forcing authorities to implement emergency measures to manage the crisis. Visuals captured the scene of the collapse, showing a large portion of the road giving way and forming a deep crater. The damage was not limited to this location, as cave-ins were also reported in other parts of Gurugram, including an instance where at least one SUV became stuck after its front wheels sank into the collapsed section. This event had a ripple effect, impacting traffic flow beyond the immediate vicinity, with vehicles sinking into the road outside the residences of the Gurugram District Commissioner and Cabinet Minister Rao Narbir. Commuters gathered around the trapped vehicle as officials assessed the situation, while traffic movement in the area came to a near standstill. The heavy rain exacerbated the situation, leading to extensive waterlogging across several parts of Gurugram, further worsening traffic conditions on key roads. Videos from different locations showed long queues of vehicles inching through flooded streets, with water covering significant portions of the carriageway. Cars, buses, and trucks were seen moving slowly through the accumulated rainwater, while many commuters were forced to wait as congestion built up across the city. Another visual highlighted the severity of the gridlock, capturing vehicles lined up bumper-to-bumper on an elevated stretch of the highway, underscoring the scale of the traffic gridlock caused by the road collapse and persistent rain. Brake lights stretched into the distance as traffic crawled through the affected corridor, while adjoining roads also witnessed heavy congestion due to diverted traffic. In response to the crisis, the Gurugram Traffic Police issued a traffic advisory urging motorists traveling from Delhi towards Jaipur to avoid the affected section of NH-48. Commuters have been advised to turn left at Rajiv Chowk and take the Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) as an alternate route. Another diversion directs motorists to turn left at Hero Honda Chowk and continue via SPR to reach their destinations. Authorities have also recommended the use of the Dwarka Expressway for vehicles coming from Delhi to bypass the congestion. Heavy rainfall throughout the day disrupted normal life in Gurugram, with several roads submerged and traffic movement severely affected. Waterlogging was reported from multiple locations, adding to delays and making commuting difficult for residents. Officials are monitoring the situation and managing traffic at key junctions while efforts continue to secure the collapsed portion of the highway and restore normal movement. Motorists have been advised to follow traffic advisories, avoid the affected stretch of NH-48 where possible, and expect delays until the damaged road is repaired and traffic conditions improve. Meanwhile, in a separate yet equally impactful story, a man in a Spider-Man costume in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, took to the streets to assist commuters during the heavy monsoon rains. Inspired by the superhero movie, the man known as Shadab transformed into a real-life hero, stepping into the chaos caused by the floods and traffic paralysis. Frustrated by the slow response of municipal authorities, he donned the iconic costume to direct vehicles and clear stagnant water, easing the distress of commuters. His actions were captured on video and widely shared on social media, drawing praise from the public. Shadab explained that he chose the Spider-Man costume because he was inspired by the superhero's ethos of using one's abilities to help others. He emphasized that his motivation stemmed from observing the lack of prompt action by local authorities. Social media users lauded his selfless efforts, with some humorously comparing his actions to the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day film. Despite the challenges posed by the heavy rains, which have resulted in at least ten fatalities in Maharashtra since July 1, Shadab's initiative highlighted the spirit of community support amidst adversity. The BMC also announced that schools in Mumbai would remain closed on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, and permitted private sector offices to operate remotely, reflecting the broader impact of the weather conditions on daily life. The incident in Gurugram underscores the growing concerns about urban resilience in rapidly expanding cities. A 2023 survey revealed that a staggering 96% of daily commuters in Gurugram report spending significantly more time in traffic due to waterlogging, compared to 88% in Delhi and 66% in Noida. These statistics highlight the urgent need for improved drainage systems and better urban planning to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events. As both cities grapple with the consequences of climate change, the stories of individuals taking proactive steps to alleviate the suffering of their communities serve as reminders of the importance of collective action and civic responsibility. While the focus remains on restoring normalcy in Gurugram and ensuring safety in Bhiwandi, these events collectively reflect the complex interplay between natural disasters, urban infrastructure, and human ingenuity.