Introduction
Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of fog today, causing significant disruptions in air and rail travel. The dense fog led to over 100 flight delays at Indira Gandhi International Airport and affected 26 trains, leaving many passengers stranded and seeking updates.
Impact on Air Travel
Flight Delays at IGI Airport
The heavy fog severely impacted flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Over 100 flights faced delays due to poor visibility, though no cancellations or diversions were reported. The airport operates under CAT III conditions, allowing certain flights to land and take off in low visibility. However, flights not compliant with CAT III faced disruptions.
Advisories Issued
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) advised passengers to check with their respective airlines for updated flight information, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the delays. IndiGo Airlines also alerted passengers about potential delays due to low visibility and recommended using their website or app for real-time flight status updates.
Impact on Rail Travel
Train Delays Due to Fog
The dense fog didn't spare rail travel either. Twenty-six trains experienced significant delays, some exceeding three hours. Passengers were advised to check the status of their trains before heading to the station to avoid inconvenience.
List of Affected Trains
Here are some of the trains that faced delays:
- Bihar S Kranti – Delayed by 205 minutes
- Shram Shakti Express – Delayed by 188 minutes
- Gorakhdham Express – Delayed by 230 minutes
- NDLS Humsafar – Delayed by 185 minutes
- Mahabodhi Express – Delayed by 328 minutes
- Vaishali Express – Delayed by 202 minutes
- Shramjeevi Express – Delayed by 100 minutes
- Ayodhya Express – Delayed by 199 minutes
- Lucknow Mail – Delayed by 101 minutes
- Padmavat Express – Delayed by 139 minutes
For a complete list of affected trains, passengers should refer to official railway sources.
Weather Conditions Leading to Disruptions
Zero Visibility in NCR Regions
Areas like Noida and Ghaziabad experienced zero visibility during the morning hours, intensifying the cold wave conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted light rain or drizzle for Delhi, with minimum and maximum temperatures expected to be around 9°C and 19°C, respectively.
IMD's Forecast and Alerts
The IMD issued an orange alert for Delhi, indicating dense to very dense fog in several areas. An orange alert signifies bad weather that can disrupt rail and road services. Residents were advised to exercise caution while driving during foggy conditions and to use fog lights for better visibility.
Safety Measures and Recommendations
For Air Travelers
Check Flight Status: Before heading to the airport, verify your flight's status through the airline's official website or app.
Arrive Early: Given the potential for delays, arriving at the airport well in advance is advisable.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather updates and any advisories issued by the airport authorities.
For Rail Travelers
Monitor Train Schedules: Use official railway apps or helplines to get real-time updates on train schedules.
Plan Accordingly: Anticipate delays and plan your journey with buffer time to accommodate any disruptions.
For Road Users
Drive with Caution: Use fog lights, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and reduce speed when driving in foggy conditions.
Avoid Unnecessary Travel: If possible, delay travel until visibility improves to ensure safety.
Conclusion
The dense fog in Delhi and its surrounding regions has significantly impacted daily life, especially for travelers. With over 100 flights and 26 trains delayed, it's crucial for passengers to stay informed and exercise caution. As weather conditions evolve, staying updated through official channels will help mitigate the challenges posed by such disruptions.
FAQs
1. What is CAT III compliance in aviation?
CAT III compliance refers to an aircraft's ability to land in low visibility conditions using advanced instrument landing systems. Flights not equipped with CAT III technology may face delays or cancellations during dense fog.
2. How can I check if my flight is delayed due to fog?
You can check your flight status by visiting your airline's official website or app, or by contacting their customer service helpline.
3. What precautions should I take when driving in dense fog?
When driving in fog, use fog lights, reduce speed, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and avoid sudden braking. If visibility is extremely poor, consider pulling over safely until conditions improve.
4. Are train delays common during foggy conditions in Delhi?
Yes, during winter months, dense fog often leads to reduced visibility, causing train delays in Delhi and surrounding regions.
5. Where can I find real-time updates on train schedules during foggy weather?
Real-time train schedules can be accessed through the official Indian Railways website, mobile apps like NTES (National Train Enquiry System), or by calling railway helplines.
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