Surat:Delhi–Mumbai Expressway Closed as South Gujarat Floods Worsen

SURAT : Relentless monsoon rain has brought South Gujarat’s road network to a standstill, forcing the temporary closure of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (NE-4) between Ena in Surat district and Navsari after the swollen Ambika River rose dangerously close to the bridge. The flooding has also crippled National Highway 48 (NH-48), leaving thousands of commuters stranded in massive traffic jams.

Authorities barricaded the affected stretch of the expressway and diverted traffic as a precaution to prevent accidents.

Surat Rural Superintendent of Police Rajesh Gadhiya said the Ambika River had reached a critical level due to continuous rainfall.

“Traffic has been diverted from the Palsana cut. Vehicles travelling from Ahmedabad towards Navsari must exit at Palsana and use the alternate route. People should avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors unless it is an emergency,” Gadhiya said.

Police said heavy rainfall has pushed river levels higher across the region, with the Kim, Mindhola, Purna and Ambika rivers flowing close to danger levels. The worst-affected areas include Olpad, Umarpada, Palsana and Mahuva. Residents from flood-prone localities in Anaval, Bardoli and Olpad have already been shifted to safer places.

The situation on NH-48, Gujarat’s busiest highway linking Ahmedabad and Mumbai, has become equally critical. Several stretches near Dungri, Chikhli, Pardi, Motivada, Udvada, Vapi and Karambeli remain submerged, causing traffic to move at a crawl. At some locations, one carriageway has been closed, resulting in long queues and delays lasting several hours.

The transport crisis follows unprecedented rainfall across Valsad district. Umargam recorded nearly 36 inches of rain in 24 hours, while Pardi received more than 17 inches, flooding roads and disrupting normal life. Official figures show 376 roads have been closed across Gujarat due to waterlogging.

“The administration is continuously monitoring the flood situation. Citizens are requested to cooperate and avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve,” officials said.

With rainfall continuing across South Gujarat, emergency teams remain on high alert. Valsad MP Dhaval Patel has indicated that airlift rescue operations may be considered if the flood situation worsens further.