Several parts of northern India are grappling with an intense cold wave, impacting daily life and transportation. On Thursday, the minimum temperature in Delhi plummeted to 7.1 degrees Celsius, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a “yellow” alert for “dense fog” in isolated sections of the city. Lodhi Road in Delhi recorded the lowest temperature at 5.6 degrees Celsius, while the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 337 at 9 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Rajasthan’s Sikar reported the coldest temperature at -0.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Churu at 1.0 degrees Celsius. The harsh winter period known as “Chilla-i-Kalan” is underway in the Kashmir Valley, lasting until January 31. Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Kupwara, Kokernag town, and Qazigund in Kashmir recorded temperatures as low as -3.5, -6.3, -5.3, -2.4, and -4.6 degrees Celsius, respectively.
The cold weather is affecting train services, with 24 trains to Delhi running behind schedule due to dense fog causing low visibility. Thirteen trains are delayed by approximately 1-1.15 hours, including the Dibrugarh-New Delhi Rajdhani Express, Bangalore-New Delhi Rajdhani Express, Bhubneshwar-New Delhi Duronto, Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express, Prayagraj-New Delhi Express, Maa Belhi Devi Dham Pratapgarh-Delhi Junction, Chennai-New Delhi Express, and Islampur-New Delhi Magadh Express.
Furthermore, 10 other trains are running late by at least 2 hours, with the Ajmer-Katra Pooja Express experiencing a significant delay of 6 hours, according to railway data. Passengers are advised to expect delays in the coming days, as dense fog is anticipated during the morning hours in isolated pockets of northwest India. The cold weather and foggy conditions continue to pose challenges to daily activities and transportation across the affected regions.
Sources By Agencies
