New Delhi: The severe winter cold has firmly established itself in northern India, including Delhi, where dense fog has enveloped the area and temperatures have continued to drop. On Friday morning, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 9.6°C, marking the fifth consecutive day of cold weather. Visibility in certain parts of the capital diminished to nearly zero, causing significant disruptions to travel and daily activities.
Impact on Flights and Trains
At Palam Airport in Delhi, visibility was reported as zero, while Safdarjung Airport recorded visibility of only 50 meters. Despite this, commercial flights remained operational; however, airlines such as SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India experienced delays. Passengers reported average delays ranging from 5 to 11 minutes, with some flights to Amritsar and Guwahati facing considerable disruptions.
In light of the ongoing dense fog, Delhi airport authorities issued an advisory on Friday, indicating that flights not compliant with CAT III standards would be impacted. In a post on social media platform X, the authorities stated, “While landings and take-offs continue at Delhi airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may be affected.”
Additionally, passengers were urged to reach out to their respective airlines for the latest flight updates. “Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information,” the post continued. The authorities expressed regret for any inconveniences experienced by passengers.
“Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted,” the post added. Trains also faced delays, with over two dozen services departing from Delhi affected by the poor visibility. Notably, the Ayodhya Express was delayed by four hours, while the Gorakhdham Express was running two hours late.
Cold Wave Across Northern India
The cold wave has spread throughout northern states, with Lucknow experiencing a temperature of 8°C and Jaipur recording 10.2°C. In Srinagar, temperatures fell to -1.3°C, with snowfall further complicating air travel.
In Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited a winter shelter located near the Gandhinagar Railway Station in Jaipur, where he distributed blankets and assured the residents regarding the provisions in place. He emphasized, “No one should face any difficulty in this weather.”
Support for the Homeless
In Delhi, night shelters have emerged as crucial support for many individuals. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has established 235 pagoda tents to offer warmth and security to the homeless population. Areas such as AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and the Nizamuddin flyover are accommodating hundreds who are seeking refuge from the severe cold.
“I am thankful for this shelter,” remarked a young man at a night home near Lodhi Road. “Without it, I cannot imagine how I would endure the night.” Bonfires at street corners provided some comfort to those facing the harsh outdoor conditions.
Fog and Air Quality
The fog was not the sole concern; the air quality in Delhi worsened, recording an AQI of 348, which is classified as ‘very poor.’ The oppressive smog added to the discomfort experienced by residents already contending with the frigid temperatures.
IMD Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted dense fog in Delhi until January 8, with a possibility of light rain on January 6, which may offer some minor relief. In the interim, authorities are advising travelers to stay informed about updates regarding flights and trains, as delays may occur.
