New Delhi, January 4 – Delhi was engulfed in a thick blanket of fog on Friday morning, disrupting air and rail services across the city. Over 400 flights were delayed due to poor visibility, while more than 75 trains either arrived late or departed behind schedule, causing significant inconvenience to passengers.
Flights Delayed but No Diversions
Despite the dense fog, flights continued to operate from Delhi Airport, with sufficient Runway Visual Range (RVR) maintained for safe landings. According to airport sources, while the weather caused delays, no flights were diverted to other airports. Passengers were, however, advised to remain alert regarding potential delays, particularly for flights not equipped with Category-III (CAT-3) landing systems, which can operate under low-visibility conditions.
As per reports, 20 international flights also experienced delays, but operations continued smoothly overall. Airlines issued advisories to travelers regarding possible disruptions during foggy conditions.
Trains Delayed by Several Hours
The fog caused major disruptions in train schedules, with numerous trains arriving several hours late at various Delhi railway stations. Consequently, trains departing from Delhi were also delayed. One of the most affected services was the Vande Bharat Express from New Delhi to Varanasi, which was scheduled to depart at 3 PM but eventually left at 9 PM. Several Rajdhani Express trains were also delayed by hours, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated.
GRAP-3 Restrictions Reimposed Due to Rising Pollution
Amid the worsening pollution levels, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Phase-3 restrictions were reimposed in Delhi-NCR on Friday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 371, categorizing the air as “very poor.” The restrictions aim to curb further deterioration in air quality.
Under GRAP-3 guidelines, the following measures have been enforced:
- Ban on private construction and demolition activities.
- Restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and NCR districts.
- Schools up to Class 5 will operate in a hybrid mode, combining online and offline classes.
Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.