Dense Fog Envelops Delhi-NCR, Several Trains Cancelled, Some To Arrive Over 6Hrs Late; Check List

List of trains delayed

•  Train No. 12801 – Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express (Late By: 05:00 hrs)
• Train No. 12303 – Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express (Late By: 05:09 hrs)
• Train No. 12451 – Kanpur-New Delhi Shramshakti Express (Late By: 03:30 hrs)
• Train No. 12275 – Prayagraj-New Delhi Humsafar Express (Late By: 04:15 hrs)
• Train No. 12553 – Vaishali SF Express (Late By: 04:10 hrs)
• Train No. 12427 – Rewa-Anand Vihar Terminal SF Express (Late By: 04:58 hrs)
• Train no 12417 – Prayagraj Express (Late By: 4:58 hrs)
• Train no 12225 – Azamgarh-Delhi Jn Kaifiyat Express (Late By: 6:28 hrs)

Northern Railways has reported 14 trains heading to Delhi from Puri, Howrah, Kanpur, Allahabad, Azamgarh, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Dibrugarh, Durg, Chennai, Hyderabad, Habibganj, Khajuraho, and Vasco were delayed.

Delhi Dense Fog Alert

In Delhi, the Palam observatory near the Indira Gandhi International Airport recorded a visibility level of 125 metres while at the Safdarjung observatory it dropped to just 50 metres. However, commuters reported even lower visibility in several parts of the national capital. Apart from Delhi, several north Indian cities woke up to foggy weather that reduced visibility. While Patiala, Lucknow and Prayagraj recorded very low visiblity of 25 metres, in Amritsar it dropped to 0 metres.

When visibility is less than 50 m, the IMD categorises the fog cover as ‘very dense’, and visibility of 199 m to 50 m is categorised as ‘dense’ fog. As of 10 am on Tuesday, the airport’s Runway Visual Range (RVRs) fell within the range of 125 to 275 metres, indicating CAT-III dense fog conditions.

Delhi airport issues advisory

Delhi Airport issued an advisory stating that while landing and takeoffs continue, flights not compliant with CAT III (Category III) standards may face disruptions. Passengers have been advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information and to check if their flights are CAT III compliant.

“While landing and takeoffs continue at Delhi airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted,” the advisory stated.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted “dense to very dense fog conditions” over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, UP, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Delhi AQI

The air quality in the city also recorded a sharp decline after weeks of comparatively good air. The average air quality dropped to 381, “very poor” on the Air Quality Index. The minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 7 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature is expected to rise up to 24 degrees Celsius.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Anand Vihar recorded a 441 AQI while Lodhi Road in central Delhi recorded an AQI of 327. At the IGI airport, air quality stood at 368. Neighbouring Ghaziabad and Noida recorded an AQI of 336 and 363 respectively.