New Delhi, January 15, 2026 — A thick blanket of dense fog enveloped the national capital and surrounding areas on Wednesday morning, reducing visibility to near zero on major expressways and arterial roads, triggering widespread traffic disruptions, multiple accidents, and hours-long delays for commuters.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for dense to very dense fog across Delhi-NCR, with visibility dropping below 50 metres in several pockets and reaching absolute zero on stretches of the Dwarka Expressway and Delhi-Gurugram Expressway. The persistent fog, combined with biting cold and low wind speeds, turned routine commutes into nightmares for millions of residents.
Eyewitnesses and viral videos circulating on social media showed vehicles crawling at walking pace or coming to complete halts on the Dwarka Expressway, with drivers relying on hazard lights and horns to navigate. Similar scenes unfolded on the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway (NH-48), the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, and key city routes including the Ring Road, DND Flyway, and the Delhi-Faridabad corridor.
Delhi Traffic Police reported a sharp spike in minor collisions and breakdowns, particularly on elevated sections and flyovers where fog pooled heavily. “We have deployed additional personnel and tow trucks at critical points,” a senior traffic official told reporters. “Motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, use low-beam headlights, and maintain safe distances.”
The ripple effects extended beyond roads. Indira Gandhi International Airport recorded delays and diversions for over 50 domestic and international flights as runway visibility fell below takeoff and landing thresholds during peak morning hours. Railway services also faced disruptions, with several north-bound trains running late by up to four hours.
Commuters bore the brunt of the weather fury. “I left home at 6 AM for Gurugram and reached office only by 11 AM,” said Priya Sharma, an IT professional from Noida. “It was terrifying—cars were appearing out of nowhere.”
Meteorologists attribute the intense fog to a prolonged cold wave gripping northern India, with calm winds preventing dispersal of moisture and pollutants. The IMD has forecast persistence of similar conditions through Thursday, with gradual improvement expected over the weekend as a western disturbance approaches.
Authorities have urged residents to check live traffic updates via the Delhi Traffic Police app and website, avoid high-speed travel, and use public transport where possible. As Delhi-NCR battles yet another severe winter fog episode, road safety remains the top priority amid warnings of heightened accident risks.
