Disrupting the Transport Network in Northern India- Fogged Out
Heavy fog engulfed North India early this morning with heavy effects disrupting air and rail travel. Visibility in Delhi came down to nil in the capital; flights were delayed significantly, canceled, and diverted. The Delhi airport flashed a notice advising passengers to stay alert via their official channels. On the other side, Indian Railways reported the delay of trains and left hundreds of thousands stranded at various platforms.
Minor accidents on the roads and darkness led most commuters to experience slow travel as the vehicles crawled against dense mist. It is rare that these conditions exist, but they are so prevalent in winter that they disrupt daily life.
Critics point out that the government should rather put contingency plans in place for the winters, which are always predictable. Technology like GPS and fog lamps have certain applications with inadequate readiness to cope with such annual disturbances. Those questions have again arisen over the more proactive measures of improving lighting systems, transporting more fog-resistant modes, and early advisories.
The scenario has created repose for the urgent necessity to modernize transport systems as well as an increased preparedness for any weather-related disruptions. For now, North India bids espera for the fog to disperse -literally and metaphorically.
