Dense Mist Disrupts Travel Across Delhi

Dense Mist Disrupts Travel Across Delhi

Vast areas of Delhi were enveloped in a dense layer of mist on Thursday morning, sharply reducing visibility across the national capital and disrupting daily life. The thick mist settled over residential neighborhoods, business districts, highways, and transport hubs, creating challenging conditions for commuters and travelers alike. As visibility dropped significantly during the early hours, movement across the city slowed, and transport services faced operational difficulties.

The sudden onset of mist affected routine morning activities, with many residents experiencing delays in reaching workplaces, schools, and transit stations. The limited visibility also raised safety concerns, prompting authorities to implement precautionary measures across key transport networks. The situation highlighted the impact of winter weather patterns on urban mobility in Delhi.

Flights Affected at IGI Airport

Air travel was significantly impacted as at least 40 flights were postponed at Indira Gandhi International Airport due to poor visibility conditions. The dense mist reduced runway visibility, forcing airport authorities to operate under CAT III conditions. These conditions, which are designed for low-visibility landings and takeoffs, can still result in delays or temporary interruptions to flight schedules.

In an advisory issued during the morning hours, airport officials confirmed that Low Visibility Procedures remained active to ensure safe aircraft movement. While flight operations continued, delays were unavoidable as safety protocols took precedence. Passengers were advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for real-time updates on departures and arrivals.

The prolonged mist led to congestion inside terminal areas as travelers waited for revised schedules. Many passengers reported extended waiting times, while airline staff coordinated closely with airport authorities to manage the disruptions. Despite the challenges, officials emphasized that all necessary steps were being taken to minimize inconvenience while maintaining operational safety.

Trains Running Behind Schedule

Railway services across the region were also affected, with more than 22 trains operating behind schedule due to the mist. Reduced visibility along railway tracks led to slower train movements, contributing to cumulative delays across several long-distance and express services. Passengers traveling early in the day faced uncertainty as arrival and departure timings were repeatedly adjusted.

The delays ranged from under an hour to nearly twelve hours, impacting travelers across multiple routes. Railway authorities monitored the situation closely, prioritizing safety while attempting to restore normal schedules. The mist affected both incoming and outgoing services, causing ripple effects across the broader rail network connected to the capital.

Passengers waiting at stations experienced extended halt times, with many trains arriving significantly later than their scheduled slots. Announcements regarding revised timings were made at regular intervals, but visibility conditions continued to challenge railway operations throughout the morning hours.

Slow Traffic Movement in the City

Road traffic across several parts of Delhi moved at a slower pace as thick mist reduced visibility on major arterial roads. Vehicles were seen traveling cautiously, particularly on highways connecting the capital with neighboring cities in the National Capital Region. The reduced sight distance led to congestion during peak morning hours.

Commuters experienced longer travel times as drivers maintained lower speeds to navigate through the fog-like conditions. Traffic bottlenecks were reported in multiple localities, adding to the inconvenience faced by office-goers and commercial transport operators. Authorities urged motorists to remain cautious while traveling during low-visibility periods.

The misty conditions also affected pedestrian movement, with limited visibility making crossings and roadside navigation more difficult. Traffic flow gradually improved as visibility increased later in the day, but the early morning hours remained particularly challenging.

Mist Likely to Continue

According to weather officials, misty conditions are expected to persist during early morning hours in the coming days as winter intensifies in the region. The seasonal pattern suggests continued challenges for transport and daily activities, particularly during pre-dawn and morning periods.

Residents and travelers have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly, keeping potential delays in mind. Transport authorities remain on alert to manage disruptions caused by reduced visibility, while monitoring weather developments closely.