New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): A thick blanket of fog coupled with dangerously polluted air disrupted normal life across Delhi and the National Capital Region on Wednesday morning, slowing traffic, delaying transport services, and causing inconvenience to thousands of commuters.
Visibility dropped sharply in several parts of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, making early travel hazardous. In areas such as Indirapuram in Ghaziabad, central Noida near the Botanical Garden Metro station, and the Akshardham belt in east Delhi, roads and buildings were barely visible through the haze. Vehicles moved cautiously with headlights on, while commuters reported longer-than-usual travel times across the NCR.
Air quality readings painted an equally grim picture. As per the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s average Air Quality Index stood at 384 at 7 am, placing the city firmly in the “very poor” to “severe” category. Pollution levels crossed the severe threshold at several locations, including Anand Vihar (452), ITO (426), RK Puram (411), Chandni Chowk (419), and Dwarka Sector 8 (414). Other parts of the city, such as IGI Airport’s Terminal 3, Najafgarh, and Aya Nagar, recorded AQI levels in excess of 320, indicating very unhealthy air.
The combination of fog and smog also affected flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Authorities confirmed that aircraft movements were being managed under CAT III protocols, which are used during extremely low-visibility conditions. As a result, multiple flights were delayed and some were cancelled during the morning hours.
In an advisory issued to passengers, airport officials said additional ground staff were deployed to guide travellers and manage crowd movement. Passengers were advised to remain in contact with airlines for real-time updates on departures and arrivals.
“Due to dense fog, flight operations are continuing under CAT III conditions, which may impact schedules. Our teams are assisting passengers on the ground, and we regret the inconvenience caused,” the airport authority said.
Rail services were also affected as fog slowed train movement across northern India. Several trains arrived late at stations in Delhi, leaving passengers waiting on platforms amid the cold and poor visibility.
With weather conditions and pollution levels remaining unfavorable, residents across Delhi-NCR have been advised to take precautions, avoid prolonged outdoor activity in the early hours, and plan travel with potential delays in mind.
