Dense Fog Hits Delhi-NCR: 184 Flights Delayed, 26 Trains Late
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Synopsis
A dense fog blanketed New Delhi and nearby areas on Jan 15, causing major transportation disruptions. 184 flights were delayed, 7 canceled, and 26 trains were running late. An orange alert was issued by the IMD, and visibility dropped to near zero, complicating travel in the region.
Key Takeaways
- 184 flights delayed due to fog
- 7 flights canceled early Wednesday
- 26 trains delayed on route to Delhi
- Visibility levels nearly zero in several areas
- Residents advised to take precautions while traveling
New Delhi, Jan 15 (NationPress) A dense fog blanketed the national capital and its surrounding regions early Wednesday, significantly impacting visibility and leading to major disruptions in transportation. At least seven flights were canceled, with 184 more experiencing delays. Furthermore, 26 trains en route to Delhi were delayed, and six train schedules were modified due to the poor visibility conditions.
The fog caused visibility to drop to almost zero in various areas, disrupting air, road, and rail traffic.
This situation follows an orange alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) the previous day, warning of dense to very dense fog.
Road traffic slowed considerably as the thick fog complicated commuting across Delhi and neighboring cities in the NCR.
In a statement released around 7:30 a.m., Delhi Airport encouraged passengers to remain updated about their flight statuses. "While landings and take-offs are ongoing, flights that do not adhere to the CAT III (Category III Instrument Landing System) standards may face delays. We recommend passengers check with their respective airlines for the latest information. We apologize for any inconvenience caused," Delhi Airport stated in multiple advisories.
Low-cost carriers IndiGo and SpiceJet also alerted travelers, advising them to keep track of their flight schedules due to the severe fog impacting air travel.
The IMD has forecasted that the minimum temperature for the day will drop to 9 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, the maximum temperature is expected to reach approximately 19 degrees. The weather department also cautioned of a generally overcast sky throughout the day.
The IMD anticipates further fog during the evening and night, with cloudy conditions expected all day. There is also a possibility of light rain later in the day or night, which may exacerbate the weather situation.
The average air quality in the national capital remains in the "poor" category.
Dense fog and cold waves have become regular occurrences in northern India, further worsening the already challenging winter climate. Residents are advised to take additional precautions while traveling.
