Dense fog blanketing large parts of northern India severely disrupted railway operations on Tuesday, leading to significant delays for multiple long-distance trains arriving in Chandigarh. The adverse weather conditions, which drastically reduced visibility, forced trains to operate at reduced speeds and undergo additional safety checks, causing a cascading effect on schedules and leaving passengers stranded and inconvenienced.
Major Trains Running Hours Behind Schedule
The impact of the fog was widespread, affecting both regular and premium services. The Ajmer–Chandigarh Vande Bharat Express (20977) was one of the worst-hit, reaching its destination over three hours late. The delay was attributed to a fog-induced late departure and persistently slow movement along its route.
Other important services also faced substantial setbacks. The Lucknow–Chandigarh Superfast Express (15011) arrived nearly three hours behind its scheduled time. Similarly, the Sadbhawna Express (12231) was more than an hour late, and the Unchahaar Express (14217) was delayed by over two hours.
Premium Services Not Spared
Even high-speed, premium trains were not immune to the weather's impact. The New Delhi–Kalka Shatabdi Express (12011), known for its punctuality, reached Chandigarh 50 minutes late. The delays created a scene of uncertainty at stations, with passengers reporting long waits and a lack of clear information regarding updated arrival times, particularly during the morning hours.
Railway Response and Passenger Advisory
Railway officials confirmed that the delays were a direct result of poor visibility conditions, which mandated protocol-driven speed restrictions and extra safety precautions. A spokesperson stated that all train movements were being closely monitored to prioritize passenger safety above all else.
In light of the ongoing winter weather, authorities have advised all travelers to check the live train status on official railway channels before commencing their journeys. Efforts are currently underway to normalize schedules as meteorological conditions are expected to improve in the coming days.
