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INDIA-FOG
Thick fog disrupts flights, trains in Indian capital
NEW DELHI, Jan. 5, 2018 (BSS/XINHUA) – Air and train services have been
severely hit in the Indian capital Friday as fog continued to wreak havoc in
the city and adjoining areas since New Year.
Some 17 flights to and from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and
over 100 trains have been affected due to dense fog that has enveloped the
city since the early hours of the day, officials said.
“Some 17 domestic and international flights have been delayed to and from
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport owing to low runway visibility
because of dense fog. The runway visibility has come down to less than 50
metres,” a senior aviation official said.
Similarly, 62 trains have been delayed, 20 rescheduled and 18 cancelled to
and from the two main railway stations — New Delhi railway station and Old
Delhi railway station, a senior Indian Railways official said.
Train services have been disrupted although the Indian Railways has
installed fog-safety devices in all trains. “The fog-safety devices are meant
to cut down delays,” Northern Railway chief public relations officer Nitin
Chowdhary said.
Since the beginning of New Year, the national capital has been hit by thick
fog that has severely disrupted flights and trains, particularly during the
morning time.
Fog is common in northern India, particularly in the winter months of
December and January, and is responsible for many road accidents.
BSS/XINHUA/GMR/1108 hrs