Dense Fog Engulfs Chennai, Bringing Traffic and Trains to a Halt
Thick Fog Paralyzes City’s Transport Network
Chennai and its suburban areas woke up to a thick blanket of fog on Friday morning, throwing traffic and train services into chaos. Visibility dropped significantly across key routes, leaving commuters struggling as vehicles crawled through dense mist. Neighbourhoods such as Sholinganallur, Perumbakkam, East Coast Road, Medavakkam, Sittalapakkam, and Ottiambakkam were heavily affected, with drivers forced to turn on headlights even in daylight. The fog extended its grip over Chengalpattu district as well, causing delays for commuters in Maduranthakam, Melmaruvathur, Acharapakkam, and Sothupakkam. The transport crisis underscored the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather conditions and the urgent need for better infrastructure to cope with climate-induced disruptions.
Commuters Bear the Brunt of Delayed Services
With visibility reduced to a few metres, Chennai’s transport system slowed to a near standstill, affecting both road and rail travel. Express trains arriving from the southern districts faced significant delays, while local trains along the coastal route from Chengalpattu ran up to 10 minutes behind schedule. In response, the Railways instructed train operators to slow down in fog-hit areas, prioritising safety but compounding delays. The traffic congestion was equally severe, with vehicles struggling to navigate foggy roads, increasing the risk of accidents. Passengers dependent on public transport voiced concerns over the lack of real-time updates and preparedness, highlighting the need for improved weather-adaptive transit systems.
A Sign of Changing Climate Patterns
Experts suggest that the increasing frequency of foggy mornings in Chennai could be attributed to climate change, altering regional weather patterns. While dense fog is uncommon in coastal Tamil Nadu, rising moisture levels and sudden temperature variations are making such occurrences more frequent. Scientists warn that this could be an indicator of shifting monsoon patterns and urban heat imbalances, which could have long-term consequences for Chennai’s weather stability. Additionally, the fog exacerbates existing air quality issues, trapping pollutants and increasing health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Sustainability and Urban Planning Solutions
Chennai’s recurrent struggles with weather-related transport disruptions highlight the need for sustainable urban planning. Improved road infrastructure, better lighting, and adaptive public transport systems could help mitigate the impact of fog and other extreme weather conditions. Cities like Delhi have implemented early warning systems and automated signals during heavy fog, measures that Chennai could adopt to enhance commuter safety. Long-term investments in sustainable transport policies, such as electrification of public transit and enhanced air pollution control, could also play a crucial role in building a more resilient urban ecosystem. For now, however, commuters remain at the mercy of unpredictable weather, hoping for better preparedness in the future.
