Residents of Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Noida woke up to a "grey Tuesday" as a lethal combination of dense fog and severe air pollution blanketed the National Capital Region (NCR). Visibility dropped to zero metres in several pockets during the early hours, severely disrupting air, rail, and road traffic.
Transport in Turmoil: Flights and Trains Derailed
The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport turned into a site of chaos as visibility plunged below the threshold for standard operations.
Aviation: Over 500 flights were delayed and at least 14 were cancelled as the airport invoked CAT-III landing procedures. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India issued travel advisories, urging passengers to check flight statuses before leaving for the airport.
Railways: The Indian Railways reported that more than 25 Delhi-bound trains are running late by 3 to 12 hours. Major expresses, including the Vande Bharat and Rajdhani, have been impacted by the thick veil of fog stretching across the Indo-Gangetic plains.
AQI Hits 'Severe' Levels
The fog has acted as a "lid," trapping toxic pollutants close to the ground. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 414 this morning, firmly in the 'Severe' category.
- Anand Vihar: 466 (Highest in the city)
- Noida: 426
- Ghaziabad: 415
Authorities have reinforced GRAP Stage IV measures, including a ban on non-essential construction and restrictions on heavy vehicles entering the city.
IMD Weather Forecast & Safety Advisory
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for the region, predicting that "very dense fog" will persist until December 27.
| Location | Min Temp | Max Temp | Visibility Forecast |
| Delhi | 9°C | 21°C | < 50m (Early morning) |
| Noida/Ghaziabad | 10°C | 22°C | 0-100m (Near Nil) |
Safety Tips for Commuters:
- Use Low-Beams: High-beams reflect off fog droplets, worsening visibility. Use fog lights and low-beams.
- Follow Lane Markings: Use the painted lines on the road as a guide to stay in your lane.
- Avoid Sudden Braking: Maintain a high "space cushion" between you and the vehicle in front.
- Stay Alert: Switch off music and roll down windows slightly at intersections to hear oncoming traffic.
