Dense Fog and Cold Weather Disrupt Travel in Northern India
Dense fog and chilly temperatures caused significant delays for trains and flights across northern India, including New Delhi, on Wednesday.
The Indian Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for the capital, signaling the expectation of dense to very dense fog in various areas. Visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport fell to between zero and 100 meters (approximately 328 feet), prompting complications for air travel.
Reports indicated that over 40 trains traveling through northern India experienced delays due to the fog. Airport officials mentioned on social media that some flights were also affected, particularly those lacking the advanced CAT III navigation system, which allows for landings in low visibility conditions.
The airport in Delhi sees approximately 1,400 flights daily, making the impact of such weather conditions significant for travelers.
In addition to the travel disruptions, the persistence of toxic smog over northern India continues to raise concerns. On the same day, the city of Delhi was ranked as the most polluted in the world by Swiss organization IQAir, with air quality registering at a “very unhealthy” level of 254.
As temperatures dropped to around 7 degrees Celsius (44.6 degrees Fahrenheit), residents found themselves staying indoors while local media showed images of vehicles moving slowly along fog-covered highways. The poor air quality and smog have posed ongoing challenges for the city since the winter season began.
