Severe weather conditions in Delhi: Major train delays continue as fog impacts rail, air travel services
Dense fog leads to significant train delays in Delhi as air quality worsens amidst fluctuating weather conditions.
Highlights
Over 40 trains in Delhi faced delays on Sunday morning, primarily due to dense fog that had already disrupted rail and flight services the previous day. The Indian Railways reported that among the 41 delayed trains, several were running late by over three hours. Notable trains affected included the KIR-ASR Express, Lichchavi Express, Gorkhdham Express, Purushottam Express, Mahabodhi Express, Malwa Express, and Dakshin Express.
Impact of Fog on Train Services
On Saturday morning, 47 trains were delayed until 6 AM as a result of the foggy conditions in Delhi. This persistent weather pattern has caused significant disruptions in transportation across the region. The visibility issues have not only affected train schedules but have also led to complications in air travel.
Weather Conditions in Delhi
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Delhi experienced a temperature of 11.2 degrees Celsius at 5:30 AM on Saturday. The air quality, which had recently shown improvement, deteriorated again on Sunday morning, dropping into the 'very poor' category. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi was recorded at 335 around 7 AM, indicating a significant decline from the previous day's AQI of 248.
Air Quality Management Measures
On January 17, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had decided to revoke certain restrictions under Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to an observed improvement in air quality levels. However, despite this temporary reprieve, Stage-I and Stage-II measures remain in effect to monitor air quality and prevent further deterioration.
The CAQM noted that favorable meteorological conditions, including strong winds, contributed to the earlier improvements in air quality. Nevertheless, with recent fluctuations in weather patterns and pollution levels, continued vigilance is essential.In summary, dense fog has severely impacted train operations in Delhi, causing widespread delays and raising concerns about air quality as conditions fluctuate dramatically.
