Pune Monsoon Mayhem: Floods, Traffic Snarl, and Power Outage Shroud City

Mrudula Narale

Pune | May 14, 2025: Heavy rain and gale-force winds lashed Pune on Monday morning, crippling normal life and revealing the city’s lack of preparedness for the monsoon. Though the rain brought relief from the recent hot weather, it led to intense Heavy rain , heavy traffic congestion, and power outages in several areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared an orange alert, predicting severe weather, with wind speeds of 50 to 60 kmph, thunder, lightning, and stormy showers in the next few days. Officials have asked people to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel and to remain cautious during peak hours of rain.

Places like Sinhagad Road, Kothrud, Warje, Aundh, Baner, Hadapsar, and Sahakarnagar were worst hit by the incessant rain, with water-logged roads and choked drains rendering travel almost impossible for commuters and pedestrians alike. The city’s poor drainage systems only added to the problem, as most areas experienced overflowing drains during the season’s first major rainfall. Ironically, some of the areas where municipal authorities had boasted of pre-monsoon drainage cleaning were among the worst hit, and doubts have been raised over the effectiveness of these preparations. Low-lying regions, including areas close to Lokmanya Nagar, were flooded, causing vehicular movement to be disrupted and leaving residents stranded.

The newly opened Sinhagad Road flyover has faced criticism following a viral clip of rainwater flowing off its structure, wetting pedestrians and vehicles below. The event elicited widespread outrage among residents, who slammed the poorly designed drainage of the flyover and questioned its construction quality. The absence of adequate drainage in the low-lying areas created huge puddles, compelling motorists to drive around soggy areas, which added to traffic congestion. The lack of proper traffic direction and advance notice of the deluge added to the confusion, leaving regular commuters frustrated at failing to arrive at their destinations.

The power outages only increased the misery, with regular cuts impacting daily life, especially for families with old and young members. The waterlogging and power cuts combined to make the lives of residents practically impossible, with basic activities and mobility becoming virtually unfeasible. Forecasts of rainfall in the next seven days, along with wind speeds ranging from 40 to 50 kmph, indicate more woes ahead. The failures of the city’s infrastructure, ranging from drainage to electricity supply, have frustrated residents and called for accountability from the municipal government.

Citizens demand improved drainage facilities, regular maintenance, and effective communication from authorities to reduce the effects of impending storms. Until then, Pune is still susceptible to the fury of the monsoon, and citizens are holding their breaths for more turmoil in the days ahead.

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