New Delhi | December 29, 2025
Dense fog severely disrupted rail, road, and air services across North India on Sunday, causing widespread delays and leaving passengers stranded amid biting cold conditions, particularly in Lucknow and surrounding regions.
According to transport authorities, over 80 buses, 24 trains, and 12 flights were delayed due to poor visibility caused by persistent fog. The Tejas Express reached New Delhi nearly six hours late, while its return journey was delayed by over five hours.
Several long-distance trains reported major delays. The New Delhi–Lucknow Shatabdi Express (12004) arrived nearly seven hours late, while the Bihar Sampark Kranti Express (12566) was delayed by over seven hours. The Gorakhdham Express (12556) faced the longest delay of 12 hours and 41 minutes. Other affected services included the Chandigarh–Lucknow Superfast, Begampura Express, Kaifiyat Express, Farraka Express, Vaishali Express, and Lucknow Mail.
🚌 Bus Services Disrupted
Road travel was also impacted as fog disrupted intercity bus services between Lucknow, Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh. At least 12 buses from Delhi arrived four hours late, while buses from western UP districts were delayed by three to four hours. The state roadways confirmed that over 80 buses were affected, causing significant inconvenience to passengers.
✈️ Flights Delayed Due to Low Visibility
Air traffic was disrupted as well. An IndiGo flight from Patna arrived 40 minutes late, while flights from Muscat, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Riyadh also faced delays ranging from 35 minutes to over 90 minutes. Passengers at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport were seen waiting anxiously amid frequent schedule updates.
🧊 Passengers Brave Cold at Stations
With trains running late, passengers were seen shivering at Charbagh and Lucknow Junction railway stations. Waiting halls and AC lounges remained overcrowded, while travelers in general and sleeper coaches struggled against icy winds. Constant changes on the National Train Enquiry System added to commuter distress.
🌫️ Severe Cold Grips Lucknow
Lucknow continued to reel under intense cold and fog. Cold northwesterly winds blowing at nearly 15 kmph increased chill levels, while visibility dropped to 150 meters in the morning. The sun remained hidden behind thick fog throughout the day.
Between December 25 and 28, the city recorded a six-degree Celsius drop in daytime temperatures. The Meteorological Department declared Sunday a “severe cold day.” The maximum temperature stood at 15.3°C, nearly 6°C below normal, while the minimum dropped to 10.4°C.
Residents were seen lighting bonfires across streets and neighborhoods, as sweaters and shawls proved insufficient against the piercing cold. Elderly people and children were especially affected.
🌤️ No Immediate Relief Expected
According to senior scientist at the Regional Meteorological Center, Lucknow is unlikely to get relief from fog and cold for the next three days. A marginal rise in temperature and brief sunshine may occur thereafter, offering limited respite.
