Heavy fog engulfed New Delhi on Christmas morning, making it difficult for trains in the city. It also delayed 20 trains due to poor visibility, as some of them were scheduled to leave the city towards long-distance travel. Delayed trains included:
The Mumbai Central Rajdhani Express that runs between New Delhi and Mumbai.
Durg-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express, which runs from Durg to New Delhi.
The Dakshin Express links Delhi with Hyderabad.
Duronto Express: It is one of the popular high-speed train services.
Jabalpur-Hazrat Nizamuddin Gondwana Express: Connecting Jabalpur to Delhi.The passengers were badly affected by the delays, which lasted from a few minutes to hours. These disruptions underscore the regular impact of winter weather conditions on railway services in northern India.
Weather Forecast: Low Temperature and Poor Visibility
According to reports by the Indian Meteorological Department, a cold morning was witnessed in New Delhi, with a temperature of 10°C. The visibility level went down to as low as 100 meters because of dense fog around 5:30 am. In such conditions, rail travel and road traffic were almost impossible, which further enhanced the risks to safety and mobility.
Citizens reacted saying it is so dark and foggy one can not see beyond, not at all useful during morning times.
Winter Misery of New Delhi Turns Unabatable Through Increased Air Pollution
New Delhi is yet to enjoy some good news regarding the Air Quality as the Winter period of new Delhi does not end very soon. New Delhi measured 333 for overall AQI in the morning on Christmas.Most relevant measurement of the same in some areas include,
Anand Vihar :360
Ashok Vihar: 372
Bayana: 362
CRRI Mathura Road: 324The ‘very poor’ category (301-400) suggests that the air quality may lead to respiratory illness and have a significant impact on sensitive groups with extended exposure.
People complained that the fog combined with pollution was causing problems. Most of them were complaining of breathing problems and worsening health conditions, especially those with pre-existing respiratory diseases.
Resident Reactions and Local Adaptations
The continuous mixture of pollution, fog, and cold has been making the life of the people of New Delhi challenging. The people have expressed their grievances regarding the severities of the winter. Some of them mentioned how it is hard to warm up.“The temperature has dropped a lot due to the rain yesterday. We are relying on bonfires to stay warm,” one resident said.
Another said that the pollution compounded with visibility is taking a toll on people’s health. Many residents pointed to the need for greater action on pollution and improved infrastructure to better deal with winter conditions.
Rain Falls in Town on Christmas Eve
December 24 added more chill to the city.
On the night of December 24, parts of New Delhi experienced moderate rainfall that intensified the cold weather. Although rain does sometimes have a temporary uplifting effect on air quality, it does increase winter irritation. The combination of lowered temperatures, rain, and continuous fog has increased challenges for both residents and visitors.
Advisory to Travelers and Residents
In view of the continued weather conditions, authorities have issued advisories to the travelers:
Train passengers should check schedules and be prepared for delays caused by poor visibility.
Road travelers are advised to drive cautiously in foggy conditions to avoid accidents.
For residents, it is crucial to stay indoors as much as possible, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues. Using air purifiers, wearing masks, and keeping warm are recommended to mitigate the effects of pollution and cold weather.
New Delhi is facing a tricky mix of dense fog, low temperatures, and serious air pollution. These have disrupted transportation and caused serious problems for residents. The coming winter will require improvement in air quality and preparation for such disruptions.