Train and airline operations were disrupted on Wednesday as thick layers of fog caused zero or low visibility conditions in a number of locations throughout Delhi and the national capital region (NCR). Due to the region's extreme fog and cold wave conditions, Noida and Ghaziabad had no visibility in the morning.
The India Meteorological Department predicts light rain or drizzle for the nation's capital on Wednesday. The city is expected to have a minimum temperature of 9 degrees Celsius and a maximum temperature of 19 degrees Celsius.
The foggy conditions wreaked havoc on rail operations, with 26 trains delayed by several hours. Popular routes, including those from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, bore the brunt of the disruptions. Passengers at New Delhi Railway Station expressed their frustration as platforms remained crowded with travelers waiting for updates.
Flight operations at IGI Airport also faced challenges, though authorities confirmed that no cancellations were reported as of now. Several flights experienced delays due to the low visibility, despite the implementation of the CAT III-B Instrument Landing System, which allows aircraft to operate in conditions with visibility as low as 50 meters.
The airport management issued an advisory urging passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. “Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for updated schedules and ensure extra travel time to navigate through foggy roads,” the advisory stated.
The dense fog has also raised concerns about air quality and road safety. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in parts of Delhi remained in the "very poor" category, adding to the woes of residents already grappling with winter pollution. Police have increased patrolling on major highways and intersections to prevent accidents due to low visibility.
The IMD has predicted similar conditions for the next 24 to 48 hours, with the possibility of slight improvement as the day progresses. Travelers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and stay updated on weather forecasts.
