Dense fog and poor visibility in New Delhi created significant disruptions on Christmas morning, resulting in delays for 20 trains departing from the city.
Major services like the Mumbai Central Rajdhani Express and Dakshin Express were among those affected. The fog, combined with cold temperatures and low visibility, compounded the situation.
Other delayed trains included the Durg-Hazrat Nizammudin Express, Dakshin Express, Duronto Express, and the Jabalpur-Hazrat Nizammudin Gondwana Express.
The Indian Meteorological Department recorded the city's temperature at 10 degrees Celsius, with visibility reaching just 100 meters due to dense fog at 5:30 am. Locals reported using bonfires to keep warm amidst the chilly conditions.
Mohammad Javed Ansari, a local resident, noted that the temperature had dropped significantly after the previous day’s rainfall, and people had to rely on bonfires for warmth. Another local voiced concerns about the severe lack of visibility, attributing it to the fog and the cold.
Meanwhile, the city’s air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 333, placing it in the 'very poor' category according to the Central Pollution Control Board at 8 am. AQI levels in other areas were similarly high, with Anand Vihar measuring 360, Ashok Vihar at 372, Bayana at 362, and CRRI Mathura Road at 324. The AQI scale categorizes 0-50 as good, 51-100 as satisfactory, 101-200 as moderate, 201-300 as poor, 301-400 as very poor, and 401-500 as severe.
Deepak Pandey, another local, expressed concerns about the harsh combination of winter and pollution, saying it was taking a toll on residents who were suffering from breathing difficulties. Others also emphasized the need for a permanent solution to the city’s pollution.
One local acknowledged that the rain had provided some relief but stressed that the government needed to address the ongoing pollution problem. Additionally, moderate rain on December 24 contributed further to the cold, amplifying the winter chill.