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The dense fog that blanketed northern India over the weekend caused significant disruptions to train services in Bihar, continuing into a second day on Sunday. Visibility was dangerously low, particularly during morning and evening hours, leading to substantial delays for numerous trains. The Danapur control room reported that the New Delhi-Rajendra Nagar Tejas Rajdhani Express (12310) arrived in Patna Junction eight hours behind schedule, while the Sampoorna Kranti Express (12393), also originating from New Delhi, experienced a seven-hour delay. The New Delhi-Rajgir Shramjeevi Express (12392) was delayed by five hours. These significant delays highlight the severe impact of the fog on rail operations.
The disruption wasn't limited to these prominent trains. Several other long-distance mail and express services traveling from New Delhi to northern Bihar via Gorakhpur were delayed by eight to ten hours. Among the affected trains were the New Delhi-Jayanagar Express (12562) and the New Delhi-Saharsa Vaishali Express (12554). Numerous other trains traveling to and from major stations in Bihar, including Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Gaya, also experienced delays ranging from several hours. The sheer number of affected trains underscores the widespread nature of the disruption caused by the unusually dense fog.
In response to the widespread delays and challenging conditions, the railways issued advisories urging passengers to check train schedules regularly using the national enquiry system number 139. This proactive communication aims to keep passengers informed of any schedule changes and minimize inconvenience. The railways also issued advisories recommending passengers take necessary precautions to ensure safety during their journeys in the cold and foggy weather. The emphasis on passenger safety and information dissemination is a key aspect of the railway's response to the situation.
Reports from the Prayagraj railway division indicated that visibility dropped to less than 50 meters in several areas along the Kanpur-DDU route. This extremely low visibility made it exceptionally difficult for trains to maintain their scheduled timings. To manage the situation and ensure passenger safety, the railways deployed additional personnel to oversee operations and assist passengers. The deployment of extra staff demonstrates a commitment to both operational efficiency and passenger well-being during this period of challenging weather conditions. The continuous monitoring of the situation by railway officials highlights the proactive measures taken to minimize the impact of the fog on rail services.
The prolonged disruption caused by the dense fog highlights the vulnerability of rail transport to severe weather conditions. The significant delays and widespread impact on passengers underscore the need for robust contingency plans and effective communication strategies during such events. The railways' response, including the advisories and deployment of additional personnel, illustrates a commitment to maintaining safety and providing timely information to passengers. However, the scale of the disruptions emphasizes the need for ongoing investment in infrastructure and technology that can improve resilience to weather-related challenges in the future.
Source: Dense fog: Rajdhani, Sampoorna Kranti expresses delayed by over 7 hrs