New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS): Rail traffic over the Old Yamuna Bridge was temporarily suspended on Tuesday as the water level in the river continued to rise, northern railways said.

The trains using the bridge have been diverted to New Delhi railway station.

The river was flowing at 206.04 metres at 9 p.m., more than a metre above the danger mark of 204.83 metres. It is expected to rise further.

Built over 150 years ago, the road-cum-rail bridge on the Delhi-Howrah line, is a vital link between Delhi and the neighbouring states.

The highest water level recorded at the Old Yamuna Bridge was 207.49 metres in 1978, 207.11 metres in 2010 and 207.32 metres in 2013, according to the Delhi Disaster Management Authority.

Heavy rains coupled with release of water from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana has led to swelling of the river, forcing the Delhi government to evacuate over 14,000 people from low-lying areas along the river in the national capital.