Delhi Drowned in Fog: Skies, Rails, and Roads Crawl Under Winter’s Veil

New Delhi: Thursday dawned under a pall of thick-swallowing fog as the capital slipped into a slow-motion morning. Since the pre-dawn hours, Delhi has been enveloped in a dense atmospheric shroud that drastically curtailed visibility, unsettling daily routines, and disrupting air, rail, and road movement across the city.

At least 40 flights were reported to be delayed as aviation operations grappled with near-zero visibility. The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport issued an advisory at 8:10 am, confirming that flight movements were being conducted under CAT III conditions—a high-alert operational mode used during extremely poor visibility. While aircraft continued to land and take off, delays and intermittent disruptions became unavoidable.

In its advisory, airport authorities reassured passengers that coordination was underway with airlines and ground handlers to mitigate inconvenience. Travelers were urged to verify real-time flight updates directly with their carriers. Officials expressed regret for the disruption, acknowledging the discomfort caused by the meteorological anomaly. Earlier alerts had already flagged the activation of Low Visibility Procedures (LVPs), a safety protocol invoked when visual range plunges below permissible thresholds.

Railways Stagger Under the Fog

The fog’s reach extended beyond the skies, unsettling rail schedules as well. Over 22 trains were running behind schedule, some by several hours. Long-distance services bore the brunt, with delays ranging from under an hour to nearly half a day. Trains such as the Anand Vihar Terminus Jansadharan Express and Vande Bharat Express experienced severe setbacks, underscoring how winter haze can paralyse long-haul rail operations.

Railway officials attributed the lag to compromised signal visibility and the need to reduce speeds to ensure passenger safety. As fog thickened across northern corridors, cascading delays became inevitable.

Roads Turn Sluggish Across NCR

On the ground, the city’s arterial roads resembled cautious caravans rather than bustling thoroughfares. Vehicles crawled along highways linking Delhi to Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad. Headlights pierced the fog only faintly, compelling drivers to reduce speed and maintain extended braking distances.

Traffic police advised commuters to remain vigilant, use fog lamps responsibly, and avoid abrupt lane changes. The haze not only slowed movement but also heightened the risk of collisions during peak morning hours.

What Lies Ahead

Meteorological officials caution that this fog episode is unlikely to be fleeting. With winter tightening its grip, early-morning fog is expected to persist over the coming days. Residents are advised to plan their travel with buffers, remain alert to advisories, and prepare for continued disruptions as the season progresses.