Multiple Odisha trains rescheduled as ECoR cites dense fog in north India for delays; air traffic also hit

Rail services connecting Odisha with north India are facing severe disruptions at the start of this week due to dense fog conditions across several northern states, forcing the Railways to reschedule departures of multiple long-distance trains and causing extended delays for passengers.

According to announcements by the East Coast Railway (ECoR), persistent low visibility in northern rail corridors has affected the punctual movement of express and superfast services originating from and terminating in Odisha. To manage cascading delays and operational constraints, revised departure timings have been announced for several key trains.

In a post on X, the ECoR stated that the Puri–Anand Vihar Terminal Express, which was scheduled to depart at 9.55 pm on Sunday, was rescheduled to leave at 10.55 pm. The Puri–Rishikesh Kalinga Utkal Express was also affected, with its departure shifted to 2.30 am on Monday instead of its usual 8.45 pm Sunday schedule.

Similarly, the Bhubaneswar–New Delhi Rajdhani Express saw a significant revision, with its Monday departure rescheduled from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm. The Puri–New Delhi Purushottam Superfast Express also witnessed a change in its departure timing, while the Puri–Durg Express was delayed from 7.10 pm to 9.30 pm on Sunday due to the late arrival of its link rake.

Trains Running Hours Behind Schedule

In addition to rescheduling, several trains were reported to be running substantially behind schedule. Railway sources said the Puri–Anand Vihar Terminal Superfast Express reached New Delhi nearly two hours late on Saturday night.

The Bhubaneswar–Anand Vihar Terminal Neelachal Express continued to operate behind schedule on Sunday, while the Puri–Anand Vihar Nandankanan Superfast Express reached New Delhi with a delay of 4 hours and 44 minutes. The Visakhapatnam–Amritsar Hirakud Express was also reported to be running 3 hours and 23 minutes late on the same day.

Trains bound for Odisha from New Delhi and other northern stations were similarly impacted, with several services delayed by two to three hours. Railway officials attributed these delays primarily to fog-induced speed restrictions and the late turnaround of incoming rakes.

ALSO READ: Herd of 30 elephants spotted crossing railway track near Turekela in Bolangir; authorities on alert

Fog Disruptions Extend to Air Traffic

The impact of dense fog has not been limited to rail operations. On Sunday, six flights were cancelled at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar after fog led to zero visibility conditions at departure and arrival points, reported The Times of India.

Cancelled services included two Delhi–Bhubaneswar flights operated by IndiGo and Air India, three Bhubaneswar–Delhi departures, and one Bhubaneswar–Utkela intra-state flight under the UDAN scheme.

Cold Conditions Set to Intensify

Weather officials have indicated that transport disruptions may continue as cold conditions are expected to intensify across Odisha from December 25 onwards. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fresh spell of colder weather driven by dry north-westerly winds sweeping across the region.

Meteorologists said the exit of a western disturbance is likely to contribute to a further drop in night temperatures, while moisture accumulation in the lower atmosphere could lead to denser fog in several districts.