NEW DELHI: Dense fog and escalating air pollution levels severely affected train services across the Delhi-NCR region, causing significant delays and inconvenience to passengers. Reduced visibility due to heavy fog compounded by high pollution levels led to disruptions in train schedules, with many services running hours behind their scheduled times.
Railway authorities reported that the visibility had dropped below 200 meters in some areas, making it challenging to maintain smooth operations. While trains bore the brunt of the adverse weather conditions, flight operations at major airports in the region remained unaffected, thanks to advanced navigation systems and timely measures by airport authorities.
Commuters in the region faced challenges as air quality in Delhi-NCR deteriorated further, with AQI levels consistently hovering in the “severe” category. Experts have attributed the worsening pollution to seasonal factors, such as stubble burning in neighboring states and low wind speeds, which trap pollutants close to the ground.
Authorities are urging residents to take precautions, including avoiding outdoor activities and using air purifiers indoors, as the combination of fog and pollution poses significant health risks. Efforts to mitigate pollution, such as restrictions on vehicle use and industrial emissions, are being intensified to improve air quality in the coming days.
