Train Status: Dense Fog Triggers Major Delays in Rail and Air Travel Across Northern India
Train Status: The winter season has once again disrupted transportation networks in northern India, with dense fog emerging as a major challenge for both rail and air travel. On Monday, Indian Railways officially confirmed that a large number of trains operating from Delhi towards northern and eastern states have been running significantly behind schedule. The delays have been most severe during the early morning hours, when visibility levels drop sharply, affecting safe train operations and overall network efficiency.
Impact of Dense Fog on Train Operations
According to railway authorities, the fog situation has caused widespread disruption to long-distance train services connecting Delhi with states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. Several of these trains have been delayed by more than ten hours, creating serious inconvenience for passengers. Officials acknowledged that weather conditions are unlikely to improve substantially in the coming days, although continuous efforts are being made to manage operations more efficiently and reduce passenger discomfort.
Delayed Arrivals and Chain Reaction on Departures
Railway officials further revealed that as many as 70 trains arriving in Delhi on Monday were delayed by durations ranging from two hours to nearly fifteen hours. These late arrivals have triggered a cascading effect, directly impacting the scheduled departure times of return services. Since railway operations depend on precise scheduling and train availability, even a single delay can affect multiple routes across the network.
Challenges Faced by Daily Commuters
In addition to long-distance express and superfast trains, several passenger and intercity services have also been operating behind schedule. This has caused added stress for daily commuters who rely on trains for work, education, and essential travel. Crowded platforms, uncertainty over arrival times, and extended waiting periods have become common experiences during the fog-affected mornings.
List of Major Trains Running Late
Railway authorities shared specific details about some prominent trains that have faced notable delays. These include the New Delhi to Barauni Humsafar Special, which arrived approximately fourteen hours late, and the New Delhi to Kanpur Shram Shakti Express, delayed by around eleven hours. High-speed and premium services such as the New Delhi to Kalka Shatabdi Express and the New Delhi to Lucknow Swarn Shatabdi Express were also impacted, with delays ranging from three to over four hours.
Other affected services included the New Delhi to Amritsar Shan-e-Punjab Express, New Delhi to Sogaria Superfast Express, New Delhi to Darbhanga Humsafar Special, and the Anand Vihar Terminal to Ayodhya Cantt Vande Bharat service. Even intercity and regional trains like the Seemanchal Express and Firozpur Intercity experienced noticeable delays, highlighting the widespread nature of the disruption.
Advisory Issued for Passengers
To address the situation, Indian Railways has advised passengers to closely follow official guidelines, regularly check train running status, and plan their journeys with sufficient buffer time. Authorities emphasized that safety remains the top priority during low-visibility conditions, even if it results in operational delays. Passengers have been encouraged to stay updated through official railway platforms and customer support channels.
Fog Disrupts Flight Services as Well
The impact of dense fog has not been limited to rail transport alone. Flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport have also been affected over the past few days. Reduced visibility has led to delayed departures and arrivals, particularly during early morning hours. Major airlines such as Air India and IndiGo have issued travel advisories, urging passengers to monitor flight status updates and adjust their travel plans accordingly.
Ongoing Efforts to Minimise Disruption
Authorities from both the railways and aviation sectors have stated that necessary technical and operational measures are being implemented to handle fog-related challenges. These include enhanced monitoring systems, revised scheduling strategies, and improved coordination between operational teams. While delays remain unavoidable under extreme weather conditions, efforts continue to ensure passenger safety and minimize inconvenience as much as possible.