New Delhi and the Delhi-NCR region, including Ghaziabad and Noida, witnessed heavy disruption in travel services due to reduced visibility, severely impacting air and rail traffic. Visibility levels dropped to alarming lows, causing delays in over 100 flights at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and affecting the schedules of 26 trains.
Impact on Air Travel
Dense fog blanketed the IGI Airport, resulting in significant disruptions to flight operations. Authorities reported that over 100 flights were delayed due to the near-zero visibility conditions. Passengers faced extended waiting times, and many flights had to be rescheduled, causing widespread inconvenience. Airport officials activated low-visibility protocols, but operations continued at a reduced pace, given the challenging weather.
International flights were also affected, with several being diverted to nearby airports to ensure safety. Airlines issued advisories, urging passengers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport.
Railway Delays
The dense fog also impacted railway services, delaying 26 trains, including long-distance and express services. Passengers traveling from Delhi faced significant inconveniences as trains were rescheduled or arrived late by several hours. Northern Railways confirmed that visibility challenges slowed train operations, with safety being the primary concern.
Special measures, including deploying fog safety devices and adjusting train speeds, were implemented to mitigate risks. Railway authorities advised passengers to stay updated on train schedules via official portals and helplines.
Citywide Impact
The dense fog not only disrupted air and rail traffic but also affected roadways. Commuters experienced slow-moving traffic as visibility dropped below 50 meters in some areas. Authorities advised drivers to use fog lights and maintain caution on the roads. Several minor accidents were reported due to the low visibility, prompting the Delhi Traffic Police to deploy additional personnel at key intersections to manage traffic flow.
The sudden drop in visibility also led to a spike in air pollution levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remaining in the “severe” category. Experts attributed this to the combined effect of weather conditions and ongoing emissions.
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Weather Forecast and Advisory
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the dense fog to a combination of high moisture levels, low temperatures, and calm winds. The IMD issued a yellow alert, cautioning residents about dense fog persisting over the next 48 hours. Night and early morning temperatures were expected to remain low, further exacerbating visibility issues.
Authorities advised residents to limit non-essential travel and avoid venturing outdoors during peak fog hours. Travelers were encouraged to stay updated on real-time traffic and weather conditions through official sources.
The dense fog in Delhi disrupted daily life, affecting hundreds of passengers and commuters. Both air and rail authorities worked tirelessly to restore operations while prioritizing safety. With weather conditions expected to persist, officials urged residents to exercise caution and plan their travel accordingly. As Delhi braces for continued fog, the focus remains on minimizing disruptions and ensuring public safety.
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