Delhi shuts old Yamuna bridge as river levels rise

The swollen Yamuna river during the monsoon season, in New Delhi. A heavy discharge of water from the Hathnikund Barrage led to the Yamuna swelling to 204.87 meters at the Old Railway Bridge (ORB).

The Old Railway Bridge over the Yamuna will be closed to vehicular movement from Tuesday evening due to rising water levels in the river, officials said, as reported by PTI.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has ordered the closure of traffic movement on the Old Railway Bridge from Tuesday evening, as the Yamuna River is expected to reach the evacuation mark of 206 metres.

Heavy discharge of water from the Hathnikund Barrage pushed the river level to 204.94 metres at the Old Railway Bridge at 5 pm on Monday, officials said. The warning mark for Delhi is 204.50 metres, while the danger mark is 205.33 metres. Evacuation begins once the water level reaches 206 metres.

"In view of possible flooding in Yamuna River due to increase in its level beyond the danger mark, you are hereby directed to close down the traffic and public movement on the bridge with effect from September 2 at 5 PM," read the order issued by the DDMA. The order was marked to Delhi Police and Railways officials.

The closure order has been issued as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety, official said. The bridge, which connects north and northeast Delhi with east Delhi and Ghaziabad, is a key route for thousands of commuters daily.

Authorities said traffic advisories are being issued to inform motorists about alternate routes.

*With Agency Inputs