Dense fog and cold weather disrupted transportation services across northern India, including the national capital, on Wednesday. Visibility dropped to near zero in many areas, significantly impacting rail and flight operations.
A total of 26 trains have been delayed due to the dense fog, according to Indian Railways.
Among the most affected are Bihar S Kranti (12565), delayed by 285 minutes; Shr Ram Shakti Exp (12561), delayed by 290 minutes; Gorakhdham Exp (12555), delayed by 255 minutes; and NDLS Humsafer (12275), delayed by 195 minutes. Other notable delays include Mahabodhi Exp (12397) by 160 minutes, Ayodhya Exp (14205) by 189 minutes, and LKO NDLS AC Exp (14209) by 370 minutes. These delays have disrupted travel plans for thousands of passengers, adding to the challenges posed by the harsh winter conditions.
At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, flight operations were also severely affected. While landings and take-offs continued, flights not equipped with CAT III (Category III Instrument Landing System) faced delays and disruptions. Airport authorities repeatedly advised passengers to stay updated on their flight statuses and contact airlines for the latest information.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Delhi recorded a morning temperature of 9 degrees Celsius, with the minimum expected to dip further. The maximum temperature was forecast at 19 degrees Celsius. The IMD also issued warnings of a generally overcast sky, with light rain or drizzle predicted later in the evening or night. Dense fog is expected to persist, compounding the already challenging weather conditions.
Adding to the woes, air quality in Delhi has plummeted to the ‘very poor’ category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 344 at 7 a.m., a sharp rise from 252 the previous day. Several areas reported alarmingly high AQI levels, with Vivek Vihar recording the highest at 414, indicating severe pollution. Other critical readings included Rohini at 399, Nehru Nagar at 394, and Okhla Phase-2 at 380. The deteriorating air quality, combined with the cold wave and dense fog, has raised health concerns for residents.
Authorities are urging residents to take extra precautions while traveling and to limit outdoor activities to minimize health risks.
(Inputs from agencies)
