Delhi HC flags NH-48 waterlogging near airport as matter of public importance, orders multi-agency exercise to explore permanent drainage solution
New Delhi, July 30
The Delhi High Court has expressed concern over the recurring waterlogging on the National Highway-48 stretch between Mahipalpur and Rangpuri Village, observing that the area is of immense significance as it is located near the Indira Gandhi International Airport and serves as the main access route to Gurugram.
Stressing the importance of addressing the issue, the Court directed a high-level, multi-agency exercise to examine the feasibility of constructing a dedicated stormwater drainage system to permanently tackle the problem.
A Division Bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora passed the directions while hearing a writ petition filed by Social Jurist, a civil rights group, which seeks construction of a functional stormwater drainage system along the NH-48 stretch between Mahipalpur and Rangpuri Village to prevent recurrent flooding during the monsoon. The matter had been received by the Bench on transfer.
The Court noted that photographs placed on record vividly demonstrated the extent of waterlogging in the area during the rainy season. The images showed large portions of the highway and adjoining roads submerged under water, severely affecting vehicular movement and public access.
Taking note of the photographs, the Bench observed that the issue warranted immediate attention considering the strategic importance of the location.
"Considering the importance of the location of this area, i.e., near the airport and being the access road to the Gurugram area, issue notice in this matter to the Respondents," the Court observed while issuing notice to the Union of India and other authorities.
To facilitate a coordinated response, the Bench directed that the Special Task Force, constituted in an earlier public interest litigation relating to waterlogging and supervised by the Chief Secretary of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), convene a dedicated meeting exclusively for the NH-48 stretch. The Court said the Task Force should hold consultations with all concerned stakeholders and prepare a comprehensive proposal for addressing the issue.
The Court specifically directed the Task Force to interact with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Public Works Department (PWD) and, if necessary, GMR Group, to examine the feasibility of constructing a storm water drain in the area so as to prevent recurring waterlogging.
The Bench ordered that the first meeting be held between August 3 and August 7, 2026, adding that multiple meetings may be conducted thereafter if required. It directed that a detailed proposal be finalised and placed before the Court by way of a status report through the counsel for the GNCTD before the next date of hearing.
The Registry was further directed to communicate a copy of the order to the office of the Chief Secretary, GNCTD, for necessary information and compliance. The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 18, 2026.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Nice work by the Delhi High Court. But seriously, why does it take a PIL to fix basic drainage? The airport is the face of our capital for international visitors. First impression? Stuck in a waterlogged highway. 😡 Hope the Task Force includes urban planners who understand sustainable drainage, not just officials.
As someone who travels from Gurugram to the airport three times a week, this is a welcome move. The waterlogging near Rangpuri is legendary bad. I once saw a BMW submerged up to its windows. The Court's inclusion of DMRC, NHAI, and GMR is smart – coordination is the real problem. Let's see if they meet the August 3-7 deadline.
I'm visiting Delhi on business next week and my hotel is near the airport. This waterlogging issue sounds serious – hope they fix it before the monsoon gets worse. In the US, airports have dedicated drainage systems. It's basic infrastructure for a global city.
A dedicated stormwater drain is the need of the hour. The current system is choked with plastic and silt. But I worry – these meetings often end with proposals gathering dust. The Court should set a strict timeline and ask for photos of actual work. Also, why is the first meeting in August 2026? That's two years away! 😕
Good to see the judiciary stepping in. I've traveled through Delhi during monsoon and it's chaotic. The NH-48 stretch near the airport is critical – not just for tourists but also for daily commuters to Gurugram. Hope they ensure proper drainage and also
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