Dense Fog Causes Major Train Delays at Chandigarh Railway Station
Dense fog conditions across large parts of northern India continued to disrupt rail operations on Thursday. This weather phenomenon led to significant delays in the arrival of several long-distance and premium trains at Chandigarh railway station. Hundreds of passengers faced inconvenience as a result.
Multiple Trains Affected by Poor Visibility
At least ten trains ran behind schedule, while one train was cancelled entirely. Among the premium services impacted were two Vande Bharat Express trains. The Amb Andaura–Chandigarh Vande Bharat Express (22447) reached Chandigarh approximately one hour and twenty minutes late. Similarly, the Ajmer–Chandigarh Vande Bharat Express (20977) arrived around thirty-five minutes behind its scheduled time.
Railway officials confirmed that both trains departed late from their originating stations due to poor visibility caused by the dense fog. The impact extended to Shatabdi services as well. The Kalka Shatabdi Express (12011) arrived at Chandigarh nearly two hours late. The Daulatpur Chowk–Chandigarh Jan Shatabdi Express (12057) reached the station about twenty-five minutes behind schedule.
Long-Distance Trains Experience Extended Delays
Trains originating from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar faced even longer delays. The Lucknow–Chandigarh Superfast Express (15011) arrived more than one hour and forty-four minutes late. The Sadbhavna Express (12231) from Lucknow was delayed by around one hour and fifty-four minutes. Another service from Lucknow, the Chaarbagh–Chandigarh Superfast Express (22355), also reached its destination approximately one hour and fifty-three minutes late.
Several other long-distance trains were similarly affected. The Goa Sampark Kranti Express (12449) arrived at Chandigarh about one hour and eleven minutes late. The Unchahaar Express (14217) reached the station around one hour and twenty-four minutes behind schedule. The Howrah–Chandigarh Netaji Express (12311), the only direct train linking Chandigarh with West Bengal, was delayed by approximately one hour and twelve minutes.
Passengers Report Confusion and Discomfort
Passengers at Chandigarh railway station reported long waiting periods and uncertainty over revised arrival timings, especially during the early morning hours. Many commuters expressed frustration with frequent changes in the expected arrival times displayed on boards and mobile applications. This added to their confusion and discomfort throughout the day.
Railway Authorities Respond to Weather Challenges
Railway authorities attributed the delays to dense fog affecting multiple sections of the railway network. The poor visibility forced trains to run at reduced speeds and undergo enhanced safety checks. Officials stated that train movements were being closely monitored to ensure passenger safety. They also emphasized that efforts were underway to restore normal schedules as weather conditions improved.
Passengers were advised to check the live status of trains before commencing their journeys. They were also urged to remain alert to official announcements to avoid further inconvenience. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges posed by severe weather conditions to India's rail infrastructure.
