Patna: Dense winter fog across north India disrupted rail operations on Wednesday, severely delaying several long-distance trains bound for Patna Junction and compounding the travel misery of thousands of passengers.
Railway officials said poor visibility and biting cold forced trains to run at reduced speeds across multiple sections, while temporary traffic regulations were imposed to ensure safety. The result was a cascade of delays through the day.
Among the worst affected was the Sampoorna Kranti Express from New Delhi, which arrived in Patna more than 16 hours late. The South Bihar Express followed nearly 19 hours behind schedule, while the Magadh Express was delayed by over eight hours. Other long-haul services—including the Delhi–Kamakhya Brahmaputra Mail, Kosi Super Express, Kumbh Express and the Tatanagar–Buxar Express—reached the city between five and nine hours late.
Evening and night arrivals fared little better. The Kota–Patna Express, Patna Superfast Express and New Delhi Amrit Bharat Express arrived one to two-and-a-half hours behind schedule. Several services also saw last-minute platform changes, adding to confusion on crowded platforms.
Railway authorities said safety protocols required speed restrictions during dense fog, particularly in the early morning and late-night hours when visibility drops sharply. Passengers were advised to check real-time train status before starting their journeys as weather-related disruptions are expected to continue during the ongoing cold spell.
