New Delhi: A heavy blanket of fog descended upon Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday, paralyzing daily life and disrupting major transportation networks. The extreme weather conditions caused delays in over 100 flights at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and slowed down at least 26 trains, some by over two hours.

Fog Throws Delhi Into Disarray

As dawn broke, dense layers of fog engulfed the city, reducing visibility to near-zero in Noida, Ghaziabad, and other parts of NCR. Morning commuters braved icy roads and hazardous driving conditions, with many vehicles crawling at a snail’s pace.

“It felt like driving into a white wall,” said Priya Malhotra, a resident of Noida. “Even with fog lights on, I could barely see the road ahead. It was terrifying.”

Flight Operations Take a Hit

At IGI Airport, the severe fog played havoc with air travel. More than 100 flights were delayed, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in overcrowded terminals.
“We were ready to board, but the flight was delayed again and again. No clear updates were provided, and it was very frustrating,” said Rajeev Kumar, a traveler heading to Mumbai.

Airport authorities stated that while advanced navigation systems like the Instrument Landing System (ILS) are operational, the intensity of the fog brought visibility levels below safe operational thresholds.

To manage the chaos, additional ground staff were deployed to assist passengers, but many still complained of insufficient information and long wait times.

Trains Struggle to Stay on Track

The railways fared no better, with at least 26 trains running behind schedule. Passengers at key stations like New Delhi, Anand Vihar, and Hazrat Nizamuddin faced long hours of uncertainty as they waited in freezing conditions.
“I was supposed to reach Lucknow for an important meeting, but my train was delayed by three hours. There were no proper announcements, and the waiting room was packed,” said Sunil Mishra, a stranded passenger.

Railway officials have issued advisories for passengers to stay updated through mobile apps and helpline numbers. However, the sheer volume of delays has overwhelmed the system, leaving many in the lurch.

Safety Concerns on Roads

The fog also led to several minor road accidents across Delhi and NCR. In areas with zero visibility, drivers were forced to halt vehicles or risk collisions. Traffic police have urged motorists to drive cautiously, avoid speeding, and use fog lights to navigate safely.

The Delhi Traffic Police have also set up temporary checkpoints in high-risk zones to monitor and guide drivers through the foggiest stretches.

Health Warnings Amid Harsh Conditions

In addition to travel disruptions, the fog and accompanying cold wave have heightened health concerns. The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi remained in the “severe” category, exacerbating respiratory issues for vulnerable groups.

Doctors have advised residents to stay indoors as much as possible, especially during early morning hours when pollution and fog are at their peak.
“Those with asthma or chronic respiratory conditions must take extra precautions, including wearing N95 masks and using air purifiers at home,” said Dr. Anjali Sharma, a pulmonologist at Safdarjung Hospital.

Cold Wave Adds to the Misery

The biting cold wave sweeping through northern India has compounded the challenges posed by the fog. Minimum temperatures in parts of Delhi dipped to 3°C, adding to the discomfort. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the icy weather, combined with fog, will likely persist for the next two days.

“The cold wave is being intensified by strong northwesterly winds and a lack of sunlight due to the dense fog,” said Rajesh Kumar, an IMD official.

Human Spirit Shines Through Adversity

Despite the chaos, stories of kindness and resilience emerged across the city. Non-profit organizations and local volunteers set up food and blanket distribution drives for those stranded or homeless.

“We saw a group of passengers stranded at the railway station and handed out warm meals and tea. It’s the least we can do in such difficult times,” said Arjun Singh, a volunteer in Ghaziabad.

Advisory for Residents

Authorities have issued guidelines to ensure safety and preparedness during this period of extreme weather:

1. For Drivers: Use low-beam headlights, maintain safe distances, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak fog hours.
2. For Air Travelers: Check flight statuses online or through airline apps before heading to the airport.
3. For Rail Passengers: Use railway helplines or apps like NTES for live updates on train schedules.
4. Health Measures: Wear warm clothing, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged exposure to the outdoors.

Looking Ahead

As Delhi battles one of the harshest fog seasons in recent years, authorities are working tirelessly to restore normalcy. From improving public communication to deploying additional resources, every effort is being made to mitigate the impact on residents.

While the city remains shrouded in mist, its resilience shines through, offering a glimmer of hope amid the cold and chaos. For now, Delhiites can only wait for the sun to break through, bringing warmth and clarity to a city frozen in time.