Delhi Fog brought the national capital to a standstill on Wednesday morning, as dense fog enveloped the city and neighboring NCR areas, causing significant disruptions in air and rail travel. Visibility dropped to zero in several parts of the region, compounding the challenges posed by the ongoing cold wave.
Severe Weather Warnings From IMD: Delhi Fog
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued an orange alert for Delhi, cautioning residents about dense to very dense fog.
- Key Warnings:
- Dense fog conditions are expected to persist in isolated areas of Delhi and NCR throughout the week.
- Travelers were advised to stay updated with airlines and railways to mitigate the impact of travel disruptions.
- Visual Impact:
- Areas like Laxmi Nagar, Shankar Vihar, and New Delhi Railway Station were shrouded in thick fog, making navigation challenging.
- Visibility across the city plummeted, creating hazardous driving conditions.
Impact On Air Travel
The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport issued an early morning advisory, warning passengers of potential delays.
- Flight Delays:
- Over 100 flights faced delays in both arrivals and departures.
- Non-CAT III compliant flights were significantly affected due to limited Runway Visual Range (RVR).
- Airport Operations:
- All runways operated under CAT-III conditions, with visibility ranging between 75 and 300 meters.
- Passengers were urged to stay in contact with airlines for real-time updates.
Rail Travel Severely Affected
Dense fog also disrupted train operations in Delhi, leaving many passengers stranded.
- Train Delays:
- At least 26 trains reported delays due to extremely low visibility.
- Passengers at New Delhi Railway Station faced long waiting hours amidst freezing temperatures.
- Safety Measures:
- Railways deployed additional staff and resources to manage the delays and ensure passenger safety.
- Fog safety lights were used on locomotives to navigate through the dense fog.
Chilling Temperatures In Delhi
The ongoing cold wave continues to grip Delhi and its surrounding areas, adding to the challenges posed by the fog.
- Temperature Stats:
- Minimum temperature: 6°C
- Maximum temperature: 18°C
- Cold Wave Alert:
- The cold wave conditions are likely to persist in many parts of northern India over the next few days.
- IMD has urged residents to stay indoors during peak fog hours and bundle up to avoid cold-related health issues.
Precautions For Travelers
With both air and rail travel heavily affected, authorities have urged travelers to take necessary precautions.
- Flight Updates:
- Passengers should check flight status with airlines before heading to the airport.
- Ensure compliance with CAT-III landing standards for smoother travel.
- Train Travel:
- Check train schedules and plan for delays while commuting to the railway station.
- Carry warm clothing to combat the chilly waiting conditions.
- Road Safety:
- Avoid driving during peak fog hours unless necessary.
- Use fog lights and maintain a slow speed to avoid accidents.
Looking Back: A Pattern Of Fog Disruptions
Delhi’s winters are notorious for dense fog and travel disruptions, with similar conditions occurring every year.
- Historical Trends:
- In January 2023, dense fog delayed over 40 trains and 120 flights in Delhi.
- Visibility had dropped to as low as 50 meters on certain days, causing massive disruptions.
- Persistent Challenges:
- The recurring fog conditions highlight the need for improved infrastructure and technology in transportation systems.
- Enhanced visibility tools and real-time updates could mitigate the impact on travelers.
Delhi’s Resilience Amid Harsh Weather
Despite the severe fog and cold wave, Delhiites continue to navigate through these challenges with resilience.
- Community Support:
- Citizens often step up to assist stranded travelers at airports and railway stations.
- Local organizations distribute blankets and warm meals to those braving the cold.
- Adaptive Measures:
- Delhi’s authorities have ramped up efforts to ensure smoother operations during foggy conditions.
- Technological advancements like CAT-III systems and fog safety measures have significantly reduced the impact of disruptions over the years.
As Delhi battles severe fog and chilly temperatures, residents and authorities must work together to ensure safety and minimize disruptions. Let’s hope for clearer skies and smoother travel in the coming days.