Train services across Delhi slow down amid dense fog, causing delays and cancellations for passenger safety
Delhi woke up to a difficult morning as thick fog and severe air pollution covered the city and disrupted daily life. The Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 414, placing Delhi’s air in the ‘severe’ category. Poor visibility caused major delays and cancellations in flight and train services, leaving many passengers stranded and inconvenienced.
Smog and Fog Reduce Visibility Across the City
A dense layer of fog mixed with smog spread across Delhi and nearby NCR areas early in the morning. Visibility dropped sharply to 100–150 metres in many locations, making travel unsafe and challenging. Cold winter conditions and weak winds trapped pollutants close to the ground, worsening the situation.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a low-visibility warning for Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and western Uttar Pradesh. The weather department said foggy conditions may continue during morning hours in the coming days.
Flight Services Affected at IGI Airport
Low visibility badly impacted operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). As runway visibility fell to around 100 metres, airlines delayed and cancelled several flights.
Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India advised passengers to check flight status before leaving for the airport, warning that fog can disrupt take-offs and landings during winter mornings.
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Train Services Disrupted Due to Dense Fog
Dense fog also affected train movement in and around Delhi. Authorities slowed down operations to maintain safety, causing many trains to run late, while some services faced delays or cancellations. Poor visibility on railway tracks directly impacted travel schedules for thousands of passengers.
Health Problems Increase as Air Quality Turns Dangerous
The mix of severe pollution, cold weather and smog increased health risks across the city. Children, elderly people, and those with breathing or heart conditions experienced greater discomfort.
Doctors advised residents to stay indoors as much as possible, wear masks while stepping out and use air purifiers at home. Authorities continued enforcing pollution control steps under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Some government offices also recommended work-from-home to reduce exposure.
December Brings No Relief as Pollution Persists
Delhi has not recorded even a single ‘moderate’ air quality day in December so far. Experts said calm winds, low temperatures and rising pollution levels remain the main reasons behind the long-lasting smog and fog episodes.
FAQs
Q1. What does an AQI of 414 mean for Delhi residents?
An AQI of 414 falls under the ‘severe’ category, which means the air is extremely unhealthy and can cause serious breathing and heart-related problems, especially for vulnerable groups.
Q2. Why did fog and air pollution occur together in Delhi?
During winter, cold air, low wind speed and high pollution levels trap pollutants near the ground. Fog mixes with smog, forming a thick haze and reducing visibility.
Q3. How did the fog affect flights at Delhi airport?
Dense fog reduced runway visibility to around 100 metres, leading to flight delays and cancellations at IGI Airport. Airlines asked passengers to check updates before travelling.
Q4. Why were train services delayed in Delhi?
Poor visibility on railway tracks forced authorities to slow down train movement for safety, resulting in delays and some cancellations.
Q5. What precautions should people take during severe air pollution?
People should limit outdoor activities, wear masks, use air purifiers indoors and strictly follow health and government advisories.
khushisikarwar is an award-winning journalist and content creator who thrives on telling stories that matter. As a key contributor to Newsisland, [she] focus on cultural commentary, providing readers with thought-provoking insights.
