Delhi air quality ‘Very poor’, dense fog affects train operations

The air quality in Delhi remains in ‘Very poor’ category. Dense fog has affected train and flight operations in the national capital.

As per Central Pollution Control Board data, the Air Quality Index in Delhi was 372 at 12pm on Thursday. The average AQI recorded in the national capital at 4pm on Wednesday was 380. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".

 Dense fog affected train operations in Delhi with several trains from Northern Railway stations arriving late to the national capital. A minimum temperature of 8.4 deg Celsius was recorded in Delhi on Thursday, a notch above average temperature this season in the national capital.

"Dense to very dense fog (0-25 metres) in some pockets of Uttar Pradesh and in isolated pockets over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Southwest Rajasthan and North Madhya Pradesh," the IMD said in a bulletin. "Less than 30 metres of visibility was recorded in Patiala, Ambala, Chandigarh Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Palam, Bareilly, Lucknow, Varanasi and Gwalior," it said.

The weather agency has advised drivers to use fog lights and the public were advised to stay aware of updated public transportation schedules. IMD advised the public to exercise caution while driving or using any mode of transportation.

Deepak Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer at Northern Railway said 22 trains arrived late in the Delhi area and he advised passengers to check track live train status using NTES.

Dense fog also affected flight operations in Delhi. According to reports, over 100 flights were delayed at Delhi International Airport.

-with PTI inputs.