Gurugram Shifts to Online Classes and Remote Work Amid Torrential Rainfall and Severe Waterlogging
Heavy rainfall battered Gurugram on Monday, September 1, 2025, triggering widespread waterlogging, traffic gridlock, and major disruptions to daily life. With the city receiving over 100 millimetres of rain by Monday evening, authorities have activated emergency protocols to manage the situation. In response to the worsening conditions, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) issued a formal advisory directing schools to conduct online classes and urging corporate offices to allow employees to work from home on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
DDMA Advisory: Schools and Offices Move Online
The DDMA’s advisory, aimed at minimizing public exposure to hazardous travel conditions, made it mandatory for all schools in Gurugram to switch to online mode for September 2. The advisory also extended to corporate offices and private institutions, recommending they facilitate work-from-home arrangements for employees.
Quoting the official advisory:
“In view of the forecast, all corporate offices and private institutions in the district are advised to guide their employees to work from home; and all schools in the district are advised to conduct online classes on 02-09-2025.”
Orange Alert Issued as Rainfall Continues
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for the region, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall on Tuesday. The alert signifies a potential for extreme weather-related disruption, prompting district authorities to remain on high alert. The Gurugram Deputy Commissioner, Ajay Kumar, took to X (formerly Twitter) to request public cooperation:
“The district administration appeals to the public to exercise caution in view of the weather conditions, avoid stepping out of their homes unnecessarily, and follow the administration's guidelines.”
City Chokes Underwater: Widespread Waterlogging and Traffic Disruption
Rainwater inundated several key areas across Gurugram, causing major traffic snarls, particularly around Rajiv Chowk and along National Highway 48 (NH-48). The highway, a vital arterial route, saw vehicles — including buses, trucks, and private cars — stuck in hours-long jams, unable to navigate through flooded stretches.
Multiple vehicles stalled mid-road, and commuters were stranded in rising water levels, especially during peak evening hours. Late into Monday night, Gurugram Police Commissioner Vikas Arora and Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar carried out on-ground inspections of NH-48 and Sohna Road. These checks aimed to evaluate traffic conditions, direct relief operations, and ensure that safety protocols were being observed.
Metro Services in Delhi Also Affected
The downpour wasn’t limited in its impact to Gurugram. According to reports by ANI, Delhi Metro services were also affected by the relentless rain. Operations on the Blue Line, especially between Indraprastha and Barakhamba stations, experienced delays and disruptions, adding to commuter woes.
For many daily travelers between Delhi and Gurugram, the combination of blocked roads and metro delays made commuting nearly impossible.
Public Advised to Remain Indoors and Monitor Weather Updates
As the city grapples with waterlogged streets and disrupted services, the administration continues to monitor the weather and coordinate emergency response efforts. Residents are being strongly advised to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel until further notice
- Follow weather alerts and safety instructions from official sources
- Report waterlogging or emergencies via the district helpline
- Use digital platforms for schooling and work wherever possible
With further rainfall expected, the DDMA and local authorities remain on standby for continued monitoring and response coordination.
Conclusion
The situation in Gurugram highlights the challenges urban centers face during extreme weather events. Despite being a key economic hub, the city’s drainage and traffic management infrastructure came under intense scrutiny amid this week’s rainfall. While the shift to online classes and remote work has helped limit travel-related risks, the disruptions underscore a broader need for long-term urban planning and drainage upgrades.
As the rainfall continues, public safety remains the top priority. The district administration’s proactive measures — from advisories to real-time inspections — aim to manage the crisis, but cooperation from residents will be vital in the coming days.
Stay tuned to official weather forecasts and civic alerts to stay safe and informed.
