Dense fog disrupts trains and flights in Delhi; Poor air quality and cold wave persist

Dense fog blanketed Delhi on Wednesday, severely disrupting both train and flight services. A total of nine trains originating from various stations in Delhi were delayed due to poor visibility caused by dense fog. The delays ranged from 70 to 200 minutes. Major trains affected included the Brahmaputra Mail, Poorva Express, Purushottam Express, Kalindi Express, and Vaishali Express, among others. The Indian Railways has advised passengers to check the latest train schedules to avoid further inconvenience.

Several flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport were also delayed as a result of the fog. Reduced visibility at the airport led to hold-ups in both arrivals and departures, although the specific number of flights impacted has not been disclosed. Airport authorities reported that delays were experienced in the early morning hours, with conditions expected to improve as the day progressed.

At 8 am, Delhi's temperature was recorded at 10.4°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted the minimum temperature for the day to settle around 11°C, while the maximum temperature was expected to hover around 22°C. The IMD also issued a warning for light rain and thunderstorms, which are likely to occur during the evening and night hours, further complicating travel and outdoor activities.

The IMD reported that dense fog had formed across the city, with the possibility of isolated locations experiencing even thicker fog throughout the day. The fog, combined with smog, reduced visibility significantly in the early morning hours, leading to hazardous driving conditions. The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi remained poor, with a reading of 262. Areas such as Anand Vihar, RK Puram, and Najafgarh reported AQI levels exceeding 270, falling in the "poor" category, which poses health risks, especially to vulnerable groups.

In response to the cold wave, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) set up 235 pagoda tents across the city to provide shelter for homeless individuals. Night shelters were also established in several parts of Delhi to accommodate people in need. The shelters aim to offer protection from the cold temperatures, which have been affecting the region over the past few days.

The dense fog also impacted other regions in North India, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and North Rajasthan, where visibility was greatly reduced, causing delays in trains and affecting road traffic. The IMD issued an alert for dense fog in these regions, predicting it will persist in the coming days. The IMD also forecast that rain and snowfall are likely in the western Himalayas, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand over the next five days. Dense fog is expected to continue to affect other parts of North India, including Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Meanwhile, despite the challenging weather conditions, preparations for the Republic Day parade in Delhi continued. Defense personnel held their rehearsals at Kartavya Path, with a thin layer of fog enveloping the area. The cold wave, coupled with fog and poor air quality, remains a concern for the coming days, with the IMD urging the public to take necessary precautions.