Guwahati, 28th December: As a cold wave tightens its grip on the capital, Delhi-NCR is shrouded in dense fog, causing substantial delays in rail transport. The Dibrugarh-New Delhi Rajdhani Express, operating under number 12423, has been notably affected by the adverse weather conditions.
On December 27th, 2023, reports indicated severely reduced visibility in Delhi-Safdarjung to a mere 50 meters and 125 meters in Palam. The Indian Meteorological Department forecasted clear skies but warned of dense to very dense fog during mornings.
The Rajdhani Express, a train renowned for its punctuality and efficient service, typically departs from Dibrugarh at 20:55 and has experienced a delay of 2:30 hours due to the ongoing foggy conditions.
Here is the list of trains running late due to fog:
The disruption in the train schedule is part of a larger trend, with 25 trains, including the Rajdhani Express, experiencing delays exceeding five hours on December 26th and 27th. Travellers are advised to check the latest status and live running updates through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) to stay informed about potential delays.
The impact of the fog extends beyond railways, affecting flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport, leading to flight delays and diversions. Operations at the airport have been disrupted due to the challenging visibility conditions.
While trains typically maintain speed as long as signals are visible in fog, the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) mandates reduced speeds in conditions like fog or snow, ensuring trains can stop within half the line of sight.
This situation highlights the broader issue of winter-related delays in India, where fog and poor visibility often lead to disruptions in train schedules. As the country grapples with seasonal challenges, passengers are urged to plan accordingly, anticipating possible delays during their travel itineraries.