Dense Fog Brings Train and Flight Operations to a Standstill in Delhi-NCR

New Delhi: A thick blanket of dense fog enveloped various parts of the national capital, causing disruptions to train and flight operations. At least 24 trains departing from Delhi were delayed due to weather-related conditions, with several being stranded for hours.

Among the affected trains, the Ayodhya Express was delayed by four hours, while the Gorakhdham Express was running more than two hours late, and the Bihar Kranti Express and the Shram Shakti Express were also delayed by over three hours. The dense fog had limited visibility, making it challenging for passengers to board or disembark from trains.

Several airlines' flights were also affected, with SpiceJet confirming that all flights coming in and going to Amritsar and Guwahati are grounded due to bad weather. IndiGo issued a travel advisory with special focus on the Delhi, Amritsar, Lucknow, Bengaluru, and Guwahati routes.

Airlines warned travellers to check flight schedules while planning their journey, advising that flights might be cancelled if the visibility remains poor. Despite this, some airlines continued to operate flights, albeit with shorter than usual arrival and departure intervals.

According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi is expected to witness fog till January 8, with light rain likely on January 6. Temperatures dropped significantly overnight, reaching a minimum of 8 degrees Celsius, making for one of the coldest temperatures in recent weeks.

The Safdarjung weather station recorded a maximum temperature of 16.2 degrees Celsius earlier on Thursday, which is still three degrees below the normal mark. The National Capital Region reported air quality deterioration to "very poor" levels, an increase from the previous day's AQI.

While relief appears to be on the horizon as a fresh western disturbance influences the region, with temperatures predicted to rise slightly over the coming days.