A thick blanket of fog enveloped Delhi and its neighboring regions early Wednesday, causing visibility to drop to zero in multiple areas. The dense fog disrupted flight operations, delayed train services, and posed significant challenges to commuters across the region.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that visibility at Delhi’s Palam Airport was reduced to zero at approximately 4:30 a.m., marking one of the most severe episodes of fog this season. The Safdarjung Observatory, another key weather monitoring station, recorded visibility at a mere 50 meters, which the IMD categorizes as “very dense” fog—a condition where visibility ranges from 0 to 50 meters.
“Such dense fog significantly hampers transportation and poses risks to road safety,” said an IMD official. The phenomenon is attributed to a combination of high humidity levels, low temperatures, and calm winds prevalent in the region during the winter months.
The fog-induced visibility issues wreaked havoc on transportation. Over 110 flights were delayed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated. Airport authorities issued advisories urging travelers to stay updated with their airlines for flight schedules.
Train operations were similarly affected, with Northern Railway reporting delays in at least 25 trains bound for Delhi. Passengers faced waiting times of two to seven hours, disrupting their plans and creating congestion at railway stations. These delays highlight the recurring challenges faced by India’s transport network during winter fog conditions.
In addition to aviation and rail disruptions, road traffic was severely impacted. Major highways connecting Delhi to neighboring states such as Haryana and Uttar Pradesh saw traffic moving at a crawl. Authorities cautioned motorists to use fog lights, maintain safe distances, and avoid high speeds to prevent accidents.
The Delhi Traffic Police deployed additional personnel and issued real-time updates via social media to assist commuters navigating the hazardous conditions.
Dense fog is a common occurrence in northern India during the winter months, typically from December to February. The phenomenon is driven by the region’s meteorological conditions, including temperature inversions and moisture-laden air from the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
This year, the IMD forecasts a continuation of dense fog conditions over the coming days, particularly during early morning hours. “Residents should remain prepared for disruptions and plan their travel accordingly,” the agency advised.
Authorities have urged citizens to take precautionary measures when traveling during low visibility. These include checking weather updates, using appropriate vehicle lighting, and refraining from non-essential travel during peak fog hours. The government is also working to improve infrastructure, such as installing advanced navigational aids at airports and enhancing visibility on highways, to mitigate the impact of such weather conditions.
As dense fog continues to grip Delhi and surrounding areas, it serves as a stark reminder of the annual challenges posed by winter weather in northern India. Commuters, transport operators, and authorities alike are urged to stay vigilant and adopt measures to minimize disruptions and ensure safety during this period.
