Delhi experienced dense fog on Monday morning, reducing visibility to just 50 meters. The IMD issued a Red Alert. Trains and flights were disrupted. The public has been advised to remain vigilant and adjust travel plans.
New Delhi: Dense fog enveloped Delhi on Monday morning, significantly reducing visibility across the capital. Visibility was limited to just 50 meters by morning. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) initially issued an Orange Alert, which was later upgraded to a Red Alert. The weather department has advised travelers and the general public to remain alert. The fog disrupted flight and train operations in Delhi, and people faced difficulties in their daily lives.
Train Operations Affected
Due to the fog, over 70 trains arriving in Delhi are delayed by 2 to 15 hours. These delays affected not only long-distance trains but also several local and intercity trains. Due to trains arriving late, changes were also made to the departure times of many trains in the return direction. Passengers waited on platforms for hours, and daily commuters had to alter their travel plans. These delays proved challenging for passengers in Delhi and surrounding areas.
Major Trains and Their Delays
Some major trains and their delays are as follows:
- New Delhi-Barouni Humsafar Special: 14.05 hours
- New Delhi-Kanpur Shram Shakti Express: 11.05 hours
- New Delhi-Kalka Shatabdi Express: Four hours and fifteen minutes
- New Delhi-Amritsar Shaan-e-Punjab Express: Five hours and fifteen minutes
- New Delhi-Sogariya (Kota) Superfast Express: Four hours and forty-five minutes
- New Delhi-Darbhanga Humsafar Special: Five hours
- Anand Vihar Terminal-Ayodhya Cantt Vande Bharat: 6.05 hours
- New Delhi-Lucknow Swarn Shatabdi Express: Three hours
- New Delhi-Firozpur Intercity Express: Two hours
Anand Vihar Terminal-Jogbani Seemanchal Express: One and a half hours
These lengthy delays forced passengers to change their travel plans, and many people took additional time to reach their destinations. Railway administration has advised passengers to keep themselves updated on train schedules and to arrive at the platform well in advance if necessary.
Air Quality in the Severe Category
Along with the fog in Delhi, the level of air pollution is also a cause for concern. According to the समीर app of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 402 at 8 am, which falls into the severe category. The most polluted areas were Anand Vihar (AQI 455) and Vivek Vihar (AQI 456). According to experts, the combined effect of air pollution and fog can have a serious impact on people's health, especially for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory problems.
Impact of Reduced Visibility
The heavy reduction in visibility due to the fog caused significant disruption. Visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport and Safdarjung was only 50 meters. This affected air travel, and many flights were delayed. Road traffic also slowed down, and the risk of accidents increased. Traffic police advised motorists to drive carefully and keep their headlights on. The dense fog sheet in the morning affected the capital's routine.
Railway and Airport Administration Preparedness
The railway administration has activated the information system to inform passengers about train delays. Passengers on long-distance trains are being updated via SMS and the railway website. The airport administration has also made necessary changes in flight operations keeping the fog in mind and advised passengers to arrive at the airport well in advance. All necessary measures have been taken during this period keeping safety and convenience in mind.
Precautions for the General Public
Experts have advised people to wear masks when venturing out during dense fog and increased pollution. Drive slowly and use high beams only when necessary. Do not let children and the elderly stay outside for long periods. Follow safety rules when using public transport and add sufficient time to your travel plan.
Weather Department Warning
The IMD has said that dense fog and cold are likely to increase in the capital in the next 24 hours. Due to the Red Alert being issued, everyone should remain vigilant. It is also necessary to follow safety rules in schools, colleges and other public places. The weather department says that the combined effect of fog and pollution may continue to cause delays in road and air travel.
