NEW DELHI: Dense fog in the national capital disrupted travel plans on Friday, leading to delays in both train and air transportation. According to Indian Railways, 27 trains were delayed, with major routes like the Farakka Express running late by 277 minutes, AP Express by 240 minutes, Karnataka Express by 91 minutes, Poorva Express by 65 minutes, and Vaishali Express by 73 minutes.
At the Indira Gandhi International Airport, several flights were also delayed due to low visibility caused by the persistent fog.
Air Quality Remains ‘Very Poor’
Th air quality in Delhi continued to stay in the ‘poor’ category, with an AQI of 294 recorded at 7 AM, as per the Central Pollution Control Board. Certain areas reported higher pollution levels:
Patparganj: 37
Nehru Nagar: 360
Mundka: 324
Narela: 320
The highest AQI of 390 was recorded in Vivek Vihar, followed by R.K. Puram (344) and Rohini (343). In contrast, areas like Mandir Marg (144) and Sri Aurobindo Marg (156) saw relatively lower yet moderate pollution levels.
Stage-IV GRAP Measures Lifted
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted the Stage-IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to a noticeable improvement in air quality. Earlier this week, Delhi’s AQI had surpassed 400, categorized as ‘Severe+,’ but recent rainfall and increased wind speed have brought it down to 302, in the ‘Very Poor’ range.
Actions under GRAP Stages I, II, and III will remain in force to prevent further deterioration. The CAQM emphasized that favorable meteorological conditions are expected to maintain AQI levels on the lower end of the ‘Very Poor’ category in the coming days.
The Sub-Committee on GRAP will continue to monitor the situation and review measures as needed.
