Thick fog blankets large swathes of North India, throwing train schedules into disarray and triggering scenes of severe passenger congestion at Jaipur's main railway station. The persistent low visibility has forced significant delays for several important trains, leaving hundreds of travelers stranded and frustrated.
Key Trains Running Hours Behind Schedule
Authorities from the North Western Railway (NWR) confirmed that multiple crucial trains are running late due to the adverse weather. Among the affected services are the Jodhpur–Howrah Express, Sriganganagar–Jaipur Express, Pooja Express, and Marudhar Express. The delays have been primarily attributed to the dangerously poor visibility during night-time hours, which has compelled the railways to impose speed restrictions for safety.
Speed Restrictions and Worsening Evening Chaos
The fog-induced speed restrictions are particularly impacting routes that connect to major hubs like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Punjab. The situation escalates dramatically during the late evening and night, as delayed arrivals and departures pile up.
This cascade effect has led to heavy overcrowding in the station's porch area and all waiting zones. With trains arriving several hours behind their scheduled time, every available inch of space at Jaipur station has been occupied by weary passengers and their luggage, adding to the palpable chaos and discomfort.
Passenger Frustration Mounts
Travelers have expressed growing frustration and inconvenience over the continuous disruptions. The repeated public address announcements revising arrival times have done little to assuage the anxiety of those waiting indefinitely. The congestion at the station highlights the broader travel crisis faced by commuters across North India during the winter fog season, raising questions about contingency planning and passenger communication during such widespread delays.
