Delhi Grapples with Severe Disruptions Amid Dense Fog, Cold Wave, and Worsening Air Quality
Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of fog on the morning of January 7, 2025, as a cold wave gripped the national capital, bringing with it a sharp drop in temperatures and biting winds. While these weather conditions have left many residents struggling with visibility and uncomfortable temperatures, they have also caused significant disruptions to daily life, from train delays to hazardous air quality levels that have left the city in a constant state of discomfort.
At 5:30 AM, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a temperature of 11.6°C, with forecasts predicting a minimum of 8°C and a maximum of 19°C for the day. However, it wasn’t just the drop in temperature that caught people’s attention; dense fog persisted throughout the day, causing visibility to plummet and traffic to slow to a crawl. For those trying to go about their daily routines, this fog added a layer of frustration to an already difficult commute. One of the most immediate impacts of the dense fog was on the rail network, where around 25 trains were delayed. Iconic services such as the Poorva Express, Vikramshila Express, RJPB Tejas Express, Patalkot Express, and Mewar Express were among those affected. For daily commuters and travellers trying to make their way into and out of the city, these delays meant long hours spent waiting at stations, uncertain whether their train would arrive on time. For families travelling to visit relatives or those on business trips, these disruptions were more than just a nuisance — they were major setbacks.
Alongside the disruption to rail services, road traffic in Delhi was severely impacted by the fog, with motorists struggling to navigate the misty streets. The low visibility led to slower traffic and longer travel times, adding to the frustration of commuters who found themselves stuck in long queues. The biting cold further made driving an uncomfortable experience. Many reported feeling a sense of helplessness as they made their way through the fog, with the risk of accidents looming over them. For some, the drive that usually took 30 minutes stretched to over an hour, causing added stress during what should have been a routine commute. Meanwhile, the city’s air quality remained a grave concern. The Air Quality Index (AQI) registered a reading of 310 at 6:00 AM, categorising it as “very poor” according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This marked another day of alarming pollution levels, with the AQI hovering in the “very poor” range for several consecutive days. For residents, this means not just discomfort but also health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. The city’s children, elderly, and outdoor workers are the most vulnerable, facing increased chances of breathing problems, eye irritation, and fatigue.
In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), following an improvement in conditions. However, Stage-I and Stage-II restrictions remain in place. While the lifting of the harsher restrictions might bring relief to some, many Delhiites feel that the ongoing measures are insufficient to combat the persistent air pollution. Public transport, particularly buses, was seen as a lifeline for many commuters trying to avoid exposure to the hazardous air, but for others, the fog and cold wave meant a worsening of their daily struggles. The thick fog, coupled with the cold wave and a “very poor” AQI, has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and frustration for Delhi’s residents. As the city continues to battle these weather-related disruptions, many are left wondering whether more sustainable solutions can be found to address both the immediate effects of the cold and fog and the longer-term problem of air pollution. For now, Delhiites remain resilient but weary, hoping for clearer skies and an end to the lingering cold wave that has turned daily commutes into a test of patience.
