Delhi faces a challenging winter again as heavy smog disrupts both travelers and transportation efficiency.
**Severe Smog Disrupts Travel in Delhi: A Recurring Winter Crisis**
**Severe Smog Disrupts Travel in Delhi: A Recurring Winter Crisis**
Poor air quality and dense fog lead to significant delays in air and rail transport in India's capital.
Dense fog and hazardous air quality conditions have wreaked havoc on travel in New Delhi, with visibility plummeting to zero during the early hours of Friday. This disruption impacted air and rail services, with over 150 flights delayed and numerous train schedules affected due to the prevailing bad weather. Such atmospheric dilemmas are common in northern India each winter, as the colder temperatures from December to January trap pollutants near the ground.
The air quality index (AQI) in several parts of Delhi exceeded 400, illustrating pollution levels that are more than 25 times the safety limits proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). In response to the deteriorating air situation, government authorities have reinstated pollution control protocols, including bans on construction and demolition and the transition of school classes to online formats.
Visual evidence from Delhi and surrounding areas depicted a thick layer of fog enveloping roads, farms, and buildings, contributing to challenging travel conditions. The Delhi airport issued warnings about potential flight disruptions due to decreased visibility, noting that while landings and take-offs continued for CAT III compliant aircraft, other flights may experience significant delays.
Flight tracking platforms indicated that departures had been delayed by over 30 minutes, and arrivals faced delays nearing 20 minutes. This led to growing frustration among passengers, many of whom took to social media to express their grievances regarding airport management. Moreover, the Indian Railways reported that 26 trains to the capital were running late owing to the fog conditions.
Forecasters from India’s weather department have hinted at the possibility of light showers over the weekend, which could potentially alleviate visibility issues. As the situation unfolds, residents and travelers alike brace for further challenges due to the ongoing environmental crisis.
